PARCHED punters will be able to get their lips around a brand new beer set to launch exclusively at the Stratford Town Centre Food Festival this month.
The new beer, Hop Star from Solihull-based Silhill Brewery, will be on offer at the Golden Bee on Sheep Street as part of the festival’s popular Ale Trail.
Jamie Forrest, shift manager at the Golden Bee, said: “We love getting involved in the Ale Trail each year. This year we’re delighted that it forms the national launch of Hop Star and for the next month, we’ll be the only place in the area it’s available.”
The Taste and Ale Trails are a highlight of the Stratford Town Centre Food Festival, which takes place over the weekend of September 23 and 24.
Sponsored by town restaurant Loxleys and organised by Stratforward BID, the festival is a celebration of regional food and drink with demonstrations and workshops alongside a bustling market through Stratford’s streets.
More than 30 town businesses are involved in the Trails, offering tantalising tipples, sweet treats and savoury snacks to visitors.
This year there are two different Taste Trails on each day of the festival plus an Ale Trail each day too.
Participants include a range of hotels, restaurants, cafes and pubs ranging from independent businesses to big name brands. The recently-rebranded Crowne Plaza is taking part for the first time, as is Veeno The Italian Wine Cafeone of the new arrivals to Bell Court.
Hayley Chilver, general manager at the Crowne Plaza, said: “We are excited to be part of this year’s Food Festival. We see the Taste Trail as a great opportunity to welcome the public into the hotel and sample a few tasty sweet and savoury treats.
“From Sunday Lunch to afternoon teas to cocktails on the riverside terrace, we want our hotel to be on the food map for everyone visiting the town.”
Also taking part in the trails are independent Stratford businesses including Union Bar, The Riverbank and Vigour Cafe.
Manoj Tugnait, who owns The Riverbank, said: “This is the first year we’ll be involved in the festival, after only starting trading in Easter. We can’t wait to get involved – it’s a great event for the town and being part of a trail gives us the chance to bring people across the river and show them what we offer at The Riverbank.”
Visit http://www.stratforward.co.uk/events/stratford-town-centre-food-festival for more information on the Taste and Ale Trails and to reserve tickets which are then paid for on the day,
