I love Batemans ales, but there is no way I was going to drink the one on offer in The Glasshouse tonight. ‘Iron lady’ was the fuck-awful name of the brew; dedicated to the evil cow that we once had the misfortune to be oppressed governed by. There was no way I was going to risk choking on that! What a waste of hops and barley! Shame on you Batemans. Shame on you JDW. Anyway I ignored the contemptible beer and went for Galbraith’s Mr G’s Luncheon Ale. A wise decision I thought. This great quaffing ale was blessed with a great hop background flavour and little bitterness. The only time I shall drink to Thatcher is the day she snuffs it.

Mr G’s downed I was pleased to see Charles Wells Banana Bread Beer was also on. In its bottled form it is one of my favourites, and an absolutely brilliant accompaniment to Chinese food. Sadly I’d already eaten, ironically beef in oyster sauce with egg fried rice. Bugger, poor planning that. Next time you are having that Chinese or Thai meal grab a bottle or two. Much better than some crappy ersatz-eastern lager. The BBB cask counterpart is an even more satisfying sup that its sterile stable mate as you might well imagine. Delicious!

So far I've been well impressed with the quality of ale that I've had in the JDW beer festival. QC does seem to have improved in their Norwich pubs over the last few months.