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Q&A: We talk to the brains behind DrinkUp London: The Beer Edit

Published . By Katie Kirwan.

As a Londoner, drinking beer isn't just a right, it's the city's lifeblood. From boozers to breweries, beer has never been better, and there's an event coming to the city this spring to show you why. Hosted by the drinks wizards behind London Cocktail Week, DrinkUp London have snagged East London's coolest events space for a beer festival to end all beer festivals. We got the lowdown from the team:

  • Tell us a little about The Beer Edit and how it all started?

The Beer Edit will run across three days of LBW, Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th March. It's taking over the entire Oval Space in East London, creating an incredible beer village just off Hackney Road, which is a mere ten minutes walk from Bethnal Green tube station making it a super accessible journey to this beer-filled destination. Book a ticket for the session you want, rock up and make a beeline for your favourite brew, get merry with mates and even discover new beers to love. This is no trade show though, it's a full-on beer-loving festival and we're all there to have a great time which means tunes and food and an absolute ban on beer snobbery. Want a micro-craft IPA? We'll have it. Fancy a fruited sour? No problem. Refreshing lager? You're absolutely welcome to it. We're here to celebrate beer in all its forms.

the beer edit london event

Take to Oval Space this March for one of the best beer festivals in London.

  • What makes The Beer Edit different from other beer festivals in the city?

The Beer Edit is a specially curated festival that celebrates all styles of beer, from big brands to small craft producers, plus ale, cider, and mead, there is something for everyone at this brand new LBW event. With DJs and street food, there is definitely a party atmosphere and with so much on offer, there is no need to do anything else.

  • Rumour has it you have a little slice of Cornwall being brought to the event?

Sharp's Brewery has shipped a beach bar in a box (complete with sand) from Cornwall to London; it'll be filled with beer and knowledge from the Sharp's Brewery team.

  • What beer names/brands are you most excited to see at the event?

Because of the size of the space, there are a limited number of pop-up bars, only 9 to be exact, exhibiting. I am genuinely excited about every single brand participating because they are all so different from each other, there really is something for everyone! But as an American, I am pretty excited to have Pabst Blue Ribbon involved since it’s such an iconic brand that reminds me of my days working behind the bar in New York City.

the beer edit buy tickets online

Got what it takes to work your way around The Beer Edit?

  • We hear you have a few Guinness exclusives at the event, can you tell us more?

Guinness Open Gate Brewery will be at The Beer Edit with firm favorites, like Hop House 13, as well as some new expressions that have never been available in England before, plus the last ever kegs of Damson Plum Sour and Nitro Coffee Stout.

  • How do we get our hands on a free, Sharp’s beer then?

Everyone who attends The Beer Edit gets a token on arrival for a free Sharp’s beer that can be redeemed at any point during the night.

  • We’re here, we’re eager and we’ve downed a few cold ones, where can we get food at the event?

There is food provided on the Terrace at Oval from 3 featured vendors: Bad Sports Taqueria – tacos and quesadillas, CLAW – sustainable Cornish crab, Pull x Punch – wings, chips, burgers.

  • Describe The Beer Edit in 5 words or less.

The best night out ever.

DrinkUp London: The Beer Edit takes place from Thursday 16th - Saturday 18th March at Oval Space in East London. Tickets start from just £10 and are available to buy here. 

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