Cornish brewers enjoy success at GBBF

l Sharp's director Nick Baker celebrates the brewery's win with a pint of Doom Bar

August 5, 2006: Sharp's Doom Bar was named one of the top beers in Britain at the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF). The ale was awarded bronze in the category of the competition for bitters.

Sharp’s director, Nick Baker, was delighted by the win. He said: “We put an awful lot of effort into the quality of beers, especially Doom Bar which is our flagship brand. “We are trying to put ourselves and Cornwall on the map.”

Speaking from the brewery’s GBBF stand he felt there was still a perception in some quarters, such as the South East, that the Westcountry was not a place to do serious business, whereas the opposite was the truth. “Just because we are based in Cornwall doesn’t mean we cannot be a professional and world-class operation.”

Sharp’s were one of three Cornish breweries represented at the festival. Also with a stand was St Austell Brewery, showcasing its Tribute ale which is finding its way into more pubs nationwide.

l Andrew Ferguson, technical services manager with St Austell Brewery, pours Black Prince mild

Get off the train at Paddington Station, in London, for instance, and you will find it stocked in the Mad Bishop and Bear pub, along with the rest of the portfolio of owner Fuller’s.

Also available was Black Prince, a classic dark mild that is not found in too many St Austell pubs, yet has a strong following among Cornish CAMRA members, who are constantly campaigning for its wider distribution.

Marketing manager Marc Bishop said that the brewery had returned with a stand after a couple of years away from the show, and it had proved a successful decision, with crowds queuing to sample the St Austell taste. Also available were the brewery's Dartmoor bitter and 5% HSD.

The festival’s media and trade reception also resounded to the sound of Cornish choir song, thanks to the Skinner’s Sinner Singers, repeating their successful trip of last year.

This group comprises individuals including brewery workers, rowers and singers from other well-known Cornish choirs and really adds a good dose of Cornish culture to the event - and they held their own well again the pipes and drums of the Caledonian Brewery marching band.

l The Skinner's Sinners Singers sing up for Cornwall at the Great British Beer Festival

Boss Steve Skinner led the choir around the hall and made a lot of friends - for the brewery and Cornwall - as they toured the vast Earl’s Court hall. And what’s more, the Skinner’s Cornish Knocker was the first beer to run out.