That’s the spirit as gin joins the menu at annual beer and cider festivals

TWO popular North East beer and cider festivals are set make a welcome return this summer – with an added attraction for gin lovers.

For the fourth year running, the Malhotra Beer and Cider Festivals are taking place at The Runhead, Ryton and The Sandpiper, Cullercoats.

And not only will there be a larger than ever line-up of the region’s finest craft beers, ales and ciders but there will also – in a festival first – be a gin bar at each venue showcasing a variety of locally produced gins.

The festivals, which are free to attend and are organised by Newcastle-based leisure company, Malhotra Group plc, will take place from 10 and 13 August at The Runhead and 25 to 28 August at The Sandpiper.

They will be sponsored by Cullercoats brewery and Blaydon-based Firebrick Brewery, with cask ales including Toon Broon and Wey Aye PA from Firebrick and Shipping Forecast and Shuggy Boat Blonde from Cullercoats.

There will also be a variety of keg beers – including Firebrick Giuseppe gluten free lager, a dedicated Anarchy Brew Co craft beer bar and the return of Krombacher Pils – and ciders, including craft fruit ciders made from ingredients such as rhubarb.

Barbecues will be served throughout the festivals at each venue and family entertainment at The Runhead will include live music from a band on Friday and acoustic sets from local singers Neil Pomeroy and Scott Kiers on Saturday and Sunday.

Manager of the Runhead Pub, James Watters, said the decision to add a gin bar was “a natural progression and a further demonstration of our commitment to the region’s drink producers.

“The beer and cider festivals have garnered a strong following among people who really appreciate the craftsmanship of the various brews,” he said.

“And, as gin is enjoying a huge surge in popularity, it makes great sense to showcase the brands being produced here in the North East.”

For further information about The Malhotra Beer and Cider Festivals contact the venue websites atwww.therunhead.co.uk and www.thesandpiperbar.co.uk.