Last Saturday, Emma and Steve from TWICB spent an enjoyable afternoon at the Chelmsford Social Club, attending the second annual Chelmsford Craft Beer Festival. Organised by Hopsters—well-known for their craft beer establishments in Leigh-on-Sea, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Felixstowe, and Chelmsford—this event promised a delicious experience for craft beer lovers.
Choosing the Saturday afternoon session, we entered the venue after paying a modest £5 entry fee. Inside, we were welcomed by a lively crowd of around 200 attendees, filling the intimate yet comfortable space with an unmistakable buzz of excitement.
The festival operated on a simple token system, with tokens available for purchase at the door in £10 increments. This hassle-free approach made it easy to sample a variety of offerings from the participating craft breweries during the five-hour session.
Though small, the brewery lineup was exceptional. Featuring Duration Brewing, The Kernel, Burnt Mill, Radio City Beer Works, Phantom Brewing, Three Hills, Time & Tide, Braybrook Beer, and Northdown Brewery, each showcased at least four unique brews. It was clear that breweries brought their latest and freshest creations, with few standard core beers in sight.
Expertly managed by Ed, the driving force behind Hopsters Events, the festival offered an outstanding tasting experience. A DJ kept the atmosphere lively with great music, while a kitchen kiosk served up simple yet satisfying food, ensuring a well-rounded event for all the senses.
The standout beer of the day was Plenty of Clouds by Phantom Brewing—a fantastic 8% DIPA—closely followed by Burnt Mill’s magnificent BA imperial stout, The Weight of Brunch. Hard plastic glasses were provided, proving to be a much better option than the flimsy ones often found at events where glasses are prohibited.
In conclusion, the Chelmsford Craft Beer Festival was a resounding success, providing a fantastic platform for local brewers to showcase their craft while fostering a strong sense of community among beer enthusiasts. We eagerly look forward to future editions and applaud the organisers for a job well done. Cheers to great beer and even better times!
