BREWERS from York and North Yorkshire are preparing to head south to showcase local talent at the country’s biggest beer event in London next week.

The Great British Beer Festival, at Earl’s Court in London, sees thousands of small breweries from around the UK meet up to see fellow producers, customers and beer buyers.

Flying the flag for our city will be the York Brewery in Toft Green, which will be showing off its best-selling Guzzler ale.

Joining them will be Tockwith’s Rudgate Brewery, producer of Ruby Mild, winner of the 2009 Supreme Champion Beer of Britain title.

Brewery manager Jamie Allen said: “It’s the biggest event on the calendar. We go down for a day out and the trade day. It’s a good excuse to meet other brewers and lots of customers and try a few other beers.

“We shut the brewery and take all the lads down.”

Keith Simpson, owner of Selby’s Brown Cow Brewery, said he had been going to the event for the past 12 years and this year would be taking their White Dragon ale.

“It’s the biggest beer festival in the UK, followed by the Peterborough event which is about three weeks after,” he said.

“It’s a busy time with beer festivals – I have been going to two a week. The Great British Beer Festival is great for meeting people you have known for along time but only get to see every year.”

The festival runs from August 3 to 7. Details at bbf.camra.org.uk/home