Neil Sowerby was there nigh on 30 years ago when the long-shut Marble Arch pub was reopened and its ornate interior uncovered – a sleeping beauty alehouse restored to life. So at its 125th birthday bash (on until Sunday, Aug 4) he just had to sink vast quantities of cask ale to celebrate...
CARLOS is a man of Marble. He has come all the way from Marble Brewery, Albuquerque, New Mexico to show solidarity with the operation that shares the same name in Manchester – and brought some frothily toothsome beers with him as a birthday prezzie. My fave… the Wildflower Wheat.
For four days the Marble Arch, which spawned the brewery over a decade ago, is hosting brews from over 30 of the finest brewers.
He’s rather taken aback with our sweltering weather, which is hotter than I recall in Santa Fe this time last year when I developed a dangerous devotion to his Marble’s 10 per cent Double IPA.
The usual picture showing how women are into rea ale now...
...and the usual male suspects overwhelmed by all this hoppiness
We are discussing this because August 1 is officially IPA Day, which gives carte blanche to sample any number of examples of this style at the launch of the Marble Arch’s fabulous four day beer festival to celebrate its 125 years’ existence.
For four days the Marble Arch, which spawned the brewery over a decade ago, is hosting brews from over 30 of the finest brewers around – including Blackjack, Brodies, Buxton, De Molen, Fullers, Hawkshead, The Kernel, Magic Rock, Partizan, Pictish, Phoenix, Quantum, Red Willow, Wild Beer, Emelisse and Whim – with lots of other jolly activities.
Jan's dad takes festival goers for a vintage spin
On opening night owner Jan Rogers’ dad was giving punters a spin in his vintage auto, while a strong Irish contingent were salivating at the imminent arrival for the weekend of Lambeg Drum legend Willie Drennan. I’d stand well clear if I were you. This huge drum, centrepiece of Orange Parades, is up there with bagpipes in the decibel levels.
Probably not enough to shatter the commemorative glass that comes as part of your ticket. Or to put you off the special commemorative ale brewed by former Marble brewers Colin Stronge, Dom Driscoll and Rob Hamilton – whose nearby Blackjack Brewery can be visited as part of the festivities. Cheers, Marble.
Thu 1 – Sun 4 Aug, Marble Arch Inn, 73 Rochdale Road, M4 4HY, Tel: 0161 832 5914, Thu 5.30pm-11pm, Fri and Sat 12pm-2am, Sun 12pm-11pm, £5 per day or £15 for weekend pass – tickets available online at www.marblebeers.com or from the Marble Arch or the Marble bars in Chorlton and Thomas Street, Northern Quarter.
The usual picture showing how women are into rea ale now...
...and the usual male suspects overwhelmed by all this hoppiness
Jan's dad takes festival goers for a vintage spin
