The best in Berkshire beer for 2022
Everything you need to know about the best beer, breweries, festivals and venues.
Start with a bang. It can only go downhill from here.
Fear not though I have plenty of content in my head for future posts but I must start off by announcing #TheBest Berkshire Beer, Breweries, Venues and Events before we get too far into 2023.
In December 2021 I asked four basic questions in a short survey, a decent couple of handfuls of people responded and I got a top three for Best Beer, Best Brewery, Best Venue and Best Event.
In December 2022 I asked the same four questions via the Facebook group Berkshire pubs, breweries, beers festivals and pints and got almost 100 replies. Growth right?
This year’s results are incredibly close. The variety of answers provided simply shows how many good beer things happen in this county.
Aside - I have just noticed on copying and pasting that Facebook group title there is either a spelling mistake or a missing comma in there.
Seems like a good moment to ask - if you haven’t already - to subscribe to this newsletter:
Anyway. The reason you are all here. You want answers.
The Best Berkshire Brewery in 2022
Honourable mentions: Elusive Brewing, Dolphin Brewery, Loddon Brewery, Outhouse Brewery, Indigenous Brewing, Ascot Brewing Co, Stardust Brewery, Rebellion Brewery, Moogbrew.
Third Place - Phantom Brewing Co
What people said: Friendly staff, amazingly good beers!! Always have something going on in the taproom and always a warm friendly welcome and atmosphere. Plus my 15-month-old son loves it there!
The people that work there are so lovely, the beers they put out, especially pale ales are so good and have such an innovative feel about them
Second Place - Double Barrelled Brewery
What people said: Because they are so invested in building Reading's reputation as a thriving, cultural hub, and because of their support in championing, protecting, and promoting other local businesses such as Grumpy Goat, Reading FC, and Clay's Hyderabadi Kitchen.
Innovative beers, great people behind the brand, committed to making Reading a great destination for beer lovers.
And the winner..
Siren Craft Brew
What people said: They continue to deliver a varied selection of quality, innovative new beers alongside an ever-reliable core range of reliable modern classics.
Family Friendliness at the taproom and general quality and variety of beers.
Consistent high standard of beers. Regularly introducing new quality products.
Consistent quality, amazing range of beers and tremendous artwork.
The Best Berkshire Beer in 2022
Honourable mentions: Oregon Trail (Elusive Brewing), Punnet, Big Fruit Heist, BA Reach, Ikaru, (Double Barrelled Brewery), End of Summer IPA (Phantom Brewing Co), Just Stout (Stardust Brewery)
Joint Second Place - Time Hops Series / Siren Craft Brew
What people said: A punchy IPA that showcased these now classic hops on a perfectly balanced malty body.
Classic interpretations of the style and hop combination, full of flavour and perfectly balanced a world-class beer.
Joint Second Place - Broken Dream / Siren Craft Brew
What people said: On cask its the perfect full-flavoured stout for a cold winter's day
An excellent stout.
And the winner..
Parka / Double Barrelled Brewery
What people said: I love a hazy IPA, this ticks all the boxes for me.
Flavoursome high-quality draught beer.
Always reliably delightful.
The Best Berkshire Venue in 2022
Honourable mentions: University of Reading Park Bar, Grumpy Goat (Reading), The Lion (Newbury), Unit 4 Windsor & Eton, Manor (Bracknell), Blue Collar Corner (Reading), Allied Arms (Reading), Horse & Groom (Mortimer), Elephant & Castle (Hurst), The Lock Stock and Barrel (Newbury), Allied Arms (Reading), The Bell At Aldworth, Craufurd Arms (Maidenhead), Alehouse (Reading), Catherine Wheel (Newbury), Hope & Bear (Cemetary Junction)
Joint Third Place - A Hoppy Place (Windsor & Maidenhead), Phantom Brewing Co (Reading)
What people said (A Hoppy Place): Jason and the team always made you feel welcome and before you have even got to the bar there is usually a taster/recommendation waiting for you.
A friendly and knowledgeable team offering an always-great selection of quality beer in a warm, welcoming environment.
What people said (Phantom): Good vibe, great range and excellent prices make this my new go-to drinking hole, and they really know how to throw a party.
Easily accessible with a buggy, the beers are always first rate and the team there are always super friendly. Plus free skeeball on Sundays.
Second Place - The Nags Head (Reading)
Genuinely. Not a stitch up so they leave my name on the board for another year. I am happy to share the results!
What people said: Friendly and accessible with excellent beer. Also has a fine line in cheese toasties.
31 beers to choose from all the time.
The excellent selection of beer, the lovely new outside area for sunny days, regular events, support for RFC, friendly and knowledgeable bar staff, great music, and lovely atmosphere.
And the winner..
Fox & Hounds (Caversham)
What people said: Wonderful range of beers, friendly staff, always a great welcome. They hosted my 50th birthday in July and I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
Being able to discover new beers every time I go in, great atmosphere, friendly and always a good night.
The outside area is so lovely even in the winter. The staff are so welcoming, you can tell they really care about the place. Always a great selection of beers.
Great selection of beers, and friendly and knowledgeable staff. Lovely welcoming atmosphere.
The Best Berkshire Festival in 2022
Honourable mentions: Ascot Beer Festival, Bracknell Ale & Cider Festival, Newbury Real Ale Festival, Twyford Beer Festival
Joint Third Place - Collabageddon (Elusive Brewing) / Craft Theory Festival (Grumpy Goat)
What people said (Collabageddon): Great beers in a great pub and a great atmosphere.
Always a great night at The Nags Head and a fantastic range of beers this year.
What people said (Craft Theory): This excellent small Reading beer festival is simply amazing each year, and this will be a highlight of our calendar. Well done to Anne-Marie and everyone involved in its organisation.
Cool vibes and awesome beers.
Second Place - Burghfest (Burghfield)
What people said: If you were there, you know. Great range of beers, and good prices all arranged by the most fabulous group of people.
Really good range of beers but also music and children’s activities.
And the winner..
Time Hops Festival / Siren Craft Brew
What people said: The staged events were really enjoyable, and there were lots of tasty beers. It was nice to learn about the history of craft hops.
The range of beers available, good music, food and vibes a well-run event, easy to get to via train etc.
Siren again, but hosting at the University of Reading was amazing. It was an incredible event. Best I've been to in Reading.
Conclusions
The results remain VERY Reading centric which I suppose is understandable but I’d like to see things spread a little more across the county for next year’s vote.
In the beer category, I’ll probably need to refine how that is done this year as there were 54 beers nominated!
You probably have your own thoughts, drop yours in the comments.