][1]Now, the 5pm Blog is not complaining about this gorgeous weather. We wouldn’t want you to think that.
The warmth, the sunshine, the blue skies – they are all lovely. And welcome. But…. they do make a man thirsty.
I mean, I’m not alone in thinking that a beer would be really nice today, am I? Mebbe even two. Or three?
By happy coincidence for beer-loving, Edinburgh folk, there are a number of fun beer-themed events taking place this week.
Independent brewers
First up, Edinburgh Independent Beer Festival has started. It’s perhaps not quite up there yet with Edinburgh International Festival; the Fringe or Edinburgh Film Festival but, if you like beer, then it’s better than all of them.
Designed to showcase the good work done by independent brewers and the independent bars that sell their products, the Edinburgh International Festival is now in its second year.
A full listing of events, beers and participating bars can be found here.
Food and beer matching
The one that caught my eye was the beer and food-matching event at The Vintage in Leith on Thursday. I’ve banged on about this before but their food menu leaves old notions of pub grub choking on its kitchen’s dust.
You can find the full menu and matching beers here.
Scottish Real Ale Festival
But the EIBF is not the only show in town. On Thursday, the Scottish Real Ale Festival gets underway at the Corn Exchange and runs until Sunday.
Entry is £6 which includes a souvenir pint or half pint glass.
The full beer list is here. Mine’s a pint of Jump the Shark which is flavoured with lychee and pink peppercorns, please.
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