Wednesday 11 May 2016

London's Hopping To It

(Just a quick note, I'm working with the London Brewers Alliance on this - mostly because it's AWESOME!)


With over three times the amount of pubs, bars & restaurants signed up to the London Brewers Alliance Hop Shoot Festival than last year, chefs are ready to cook up a storm with an ingredient considered the most expensive veg in the world[1].

Curious diners and beer lovers are set for a rare treat for just a few days from Thursday night as the London Brewer’s Alliance annual hop shoot pick comes around again.
Members of the Alliance, along with a few enthusiastic helpers, will be picking hop shoots, that would otherwise wither on the bine[2] as part of the cultivation process of the plant, and turning them into delicacies to put on a plate.

Among the big name restaurants rising to the challenge this year are St John, Duck & Waffle, Alyn Williams, The Manor, Pidgin, The Dairy, Quality Chop House and Paradise Garage – alongside other noted names as the Drapers Arms, The Empress in Victoria Park, Pitt Cue and the iconic Eagle gastropub – and a long list of other illustrious and award-winning venues across the capital.

Not only are the outlets challenged to use the hops, they are also challenged to think about pairing the dishes with a beer, which means consumers will have a chance to see the full journey of the plant in a very tasty and satisfying fashion.

Commenting on this year’s walk founder of the initiative, and London Brewers Alliance stalwart, Peter Haydon said: “It’s fantastic to see that not only is there a huge growth in breweries in the capital, there’s a huge growth in interest in the whole scene around beer, which includes these hop shoots.

“I’d just like to thank everyone who has got involved this time around and look forward to seeing what creative things the chefs come up with, and perhaps having a few beers with a few of the dishes myself!”
Award-winning beer & food writer Melissa Cole, who assists with project, said: “It was a high bar set by chefs last year who, when I delivered the produce, fell on them with huge enthusiasm and excitement – and I can’t see that changing this year, which means diners and drinkers are in for a huge treat.”

Notes to editors
Social media account details:
Tw: @londonhop
IG: Londonhopshootfest             
For further information please contact:
Melissa Cole on 07798 568400 or letmetellyouaboutbeer@gmail.com or Peter Haydon on 07973 465081 or aheadahat@gmail.com


Full list of venues:

Paradise Garage
Duck & Waffle
St John Smithfields
St John Bread & Wine
Quality Chop House
Alyn Williams
The Guinea
The Manor
The Dairy
Drapers Arms
Pidgin
The Marksman
Yard Sale Pizza
John the Unicorn
Fanny Nelson's
Lupollo Pizza
The Regent
The Lauriston
The Empress
Crooked Billet
The Hope
The Catford Constitutional Club
Knowles of Norwood
The Bull at Highgate
The Bohemia
Pitt Cue
The Bell Walthamstow
The Eagle (Farringdon)
Essex St
161 Food & Drink
ToastED
Terroirs
Palmerston
Canopy Tap room
Hops & Glory
Brewdog Soho
Hopstuff Taproom
King & Co.
Woolwich Equitable
The Florence
Flour to the People
Pub on the Park
The Lady Mildmay
Chai Ki
Zerodegrees Blackheath






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