The Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF) will be bigger this year, with more beers and a gin bar.

The 40+ beers and ciders are drawn from across the UK, with Essex-based breweries Brentwood, Elephant and Billericay all being represented.

Brentwood's popular Pride of Prague, brewed to mark West Ham's European Conference Cup victory last year, will once again be available. Get your pint quick as this one sold out last time.

Another Essex-based brewery is Mighty Oak, which brings its always-popular champion beer, Captain Bob.

The popular Sussex brewery, Listers, makes a return, bringing its best bitter. A new one from Listers is their premium bitter, Special Ale. 

Harveys of Lewes will again be represented with Best Bitter and a new surprise beer!

Gloucester brewery, Goffs, will make a first-time appearance, with the all-American hopped Cheltenham Gold.

Closer to home is West London-based Portobello, who bring Markets Porter and Central Line Red - hopefully they'll be on time. 

Paul Donovan says that there will be beers at next month's Wanstead Beer FestivalPaul Donovan says that there will be beers at next month's Wanstead Beer Festival (Image: Paul Donovan) The WBF prides itself on its local ethos. So east London breweries like Redemption, Beerblefish, Neckstamper, East London Brewery and Pretty Decent are all prominent, particularly amongst the keg beer drinkers. 

Beerblefish brings its well-liked Lea Valley Lager.

Pretty Decent's "I could get better in T*scos for a quid," raises some laughs and tastes great. However, it may need a cost-of-living adjustment on the name.

East London Brewery brings its always-popular Cowcatcher.

There will also be a variety of ciders available. Devon-based, Farmer Jim's will be supplying the favoured Rhubarb Bob. There will also be a Farmyard Perrie on offer.

New, this year is the English gin bar. There will be gins from Essex, Sussex and east London.

Wine, prosecco and soft drinks will again be available. Christchurch will be providing the food.

It costs £10 to get in, which includes the commemorative glass.

All beer will be reasonably priced - under £5 a pint and money raised will go to local charities.

So there’s plenty to look forward to at the second WBF. More people, more beers and gin - what's not to like?

Roll on October 12 - 1 pm kick off.

Tickets are selling fast to get yours go to: wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk

  • Paul Donovan is Labour councillor for Wanstead Village ward, Redbridge Council and a blogger (paulfdonovan.blogspot.com).