PCITURES: Green Hop Beer Festival at The Talbot at Knighwick

The best of the county's beer was on display inside The Talbot at Knighwick as its annual Green Hop Beer Festival reached day two of celebrations. 

John Corlett and Geannie Glendinning travelled an hour to attend the festival. (Image: Newsquest) Organised by Teme Valley Brewery, the festival has been a staple in the county for nearly three decades.

It is also debated if it could be acclaimed as the only one of its kind in Worcestershire.

Julie Clissett, Andrew Singfield are with Chris Goding, who traveled from near Manchester. (Image: Newsquest) Its popularity has led some visitors to travel as far as Manchester and Hanborough in Oxfordshire to get a taste of the locally sourced green hops on offer.

One of these visitors was John Carlett, from Hanborough, who comes to the festival every year after claiming there is none like it.

LOCAL: Some of the various beer and where they are from. (Image: Newsquest) "I first came to this pub in the mid-seventies, and we camped in the backyard next to the hop fields. I have been coming on and off ever since," he said.

"But, in the last few years, we have been every year to come to the Green Hop Beer Festival.

"This is so special because you have so many hop fields around here, and you can taste the green hops from them, which is very different."

Bill Otteway, Worcester CAMRA branch publicity officer (right), with Steve and Gemma Halstead. (Image: Newsquest) The festival has 18 local beers, half of which are 'green hop' and ciders and perry.

Bill Otteway, Worcester CAMRA branch publicity officer, said: "I am having a great time, and this is a festival I have been to for many years.

"It has a fantastic range of beers, and it is very good to experience the difference from a normal traditional beer with the green hops - it is a unique festival and definitely one of those to come out to and support."

Mark Tedina, from Teme Valley Brewery, said the festival is special because it has 'green hop' beers, which vary greatly from traditional beers people may encounter.

The green hop is fresh and can only be used at certain times of the year when it is in season.

Rob Tovey and Pete Maxwell enjoying the sunshine. (Image: Newsquest) He explained that it is like cooking with fresh coriander instead of dried, and this difference can influence the taste of each drink.

"We have a lot of people who have been here for the first time and admit that they have never known about the festival," said Mr Tedina.

"We found beer festivals are tricker to run now because they used to run themselves, whereas now there is more of a push.

"It is certainly not what it was ten years ago, but we have been satisfied with the last few festivals.

"We are happy with the numbers."

The festival's last day is tomorrow (Sunday) and will run from 11am and 6pm.