Going loco down in Tunbridge Wells

Well after the excitement of Oktoberfest, which was followed by a relaxing few days in Regensburg, it was back  to earth with a bang. I’ve been back at work two and a half weeks now, and have been catching up on  both the work and domestic fronts.

I have spent the past two weekends tidying up the garden, and getting things put away ready for winter, and Mrs PBT’s and I have had the unenviable task of selecting tiles (far too many to chose from), and a new bathroom suite, for our latest home-improvement project.

This coming weekend is a little different though as I will be involved with the 7th West Kent CAMRA Real Ale & Cider Festival, held in conjunction with the Spa Valley Railway (SVR). The event runs from Friday 20^th to Sunday 22^nd October, and   takes in the preserved Victorian Engine Shed, at the Heritage Railway’s Tunbridge Wells West Station headquarters.

This year’s event will feature 160+ Real Ales, 25+ Green Hop Beers, various Key-Keg/Cask Beers, a selection of Belgian Beers and 30+ Ciders. As in previous years, the beers and ciders will be spread out between the three stations at Tunbridge Wells, Groombridge & Eridge; although the majority will found at Tunbridge Wells.

There will also be bars on two of the SVR’s train sets. To reach all the locations the organisers recommend a day rover ticket, which allows unlimited travel all day, up and down the line between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge. Tickets are just £20 per adult or £10 per child. For CAMRA members there is a special CAMRA Day Rover ticket available for just £15!

I haven’t been involved with the organisation of this year’s festival, but I will be there on Saturday, at one or more of the locations, serving behind the bar. So why not come along and treat yourself to a ride through the beautiful Kent and Sussex countryside, and stop and say hello.

I will also be at Tunbridge Wells West tomorrow, as I’ve been asked to help judge the Green Hop beers which will be on sale at the festival. I’ll be keeping illustrious company, as we will be joined tomorrow, by two luminaries from the world of journalism and beer writing. I can’t reveal much more, at present, but I promise a full report in due course.

The Spa Valley Festival has become one of the largest events of its kind in both Kent and Sussex, and is well worth a visit. It has good public transport links, and can be reached by trains to Tunbridge Wells Mainline, followed by a 15 minute walk along to the West station, via the town’s  world famous Pantiles area. Alternatively, SVR trains depart from Platform 2 at Eridge station, which is served by mainline trains to and from London Bridge. Please check National Rail Enquiries before travelling.

Full details of the festival, including a list of all the beers and ciders, can be found by clicking the link here.

ps. Apologies to Retired Martin for the tenuous link in the title, to a well-known music track.