John rolls out barrels for ale event
The UK's biggest pub-based beer festival is rolling out the barrels in a Shropshire pub. The 27th Telford Beer Festival takes place at the Crown Inn, Oakengates, until Sunday.
The event is billed as Britain's biggest cooled-hand-pulled pub-based festival and there are between 50 and 60 ales on offer for beer buffs to sample. Ales have been sourced from all over the UK as well as many from breweries in Shropshire.
There are drinks to suit every taste from easy drinking, refreshing bitters to extra-strong winter ales.
Besides the range of beers, many of which have been specially commissioned for the Telford event, there are 34 ciders and perries.
Real ale and cider enthusiasts from across the Midlands are expected to attend the event, which is recognised by the Campaign for Real Ale.
The Crown, in Market Street, is Cask Ale Pub of the Year for the East and West Midlands region and has been runner-up three times in the national competition, organised by a leading trade magazine.
Licensee John Ellis, pictured, said the pub was the first in the Wrekin area to receive the industry's prestigious cask marque award for excellence.
"People come here for the quality of the beer," he said. "The festival list of beers is the biggest ever. It's been a problem getting them all ready on time but I am sure they will be very enjoyable."
The festival is open each day from noon.
