Prepare for The Great British Beer Festival

The Great British Beer Festival takes place this August at Olympia in London. Here’s our guide to how to be prepared and enjoy your visit.

With over 1,000 beers, ciders and perries from the UK and abroad to try, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. But don’t worry, we have been (and survived without a hellish hangover!) so here are some tips to enjoy the event.

Buy a copy of the Festival Guide

This tells you what is on sale and where to get it.  It doesn’t need to be a military operation, but a bit of planning will save you wandering about aimlessly.  The beers are normally grouped by region e.g. Scotland, Cornwall so it will be easy to locate your favourite tipple.

Drink thirds

You will pick up a pint glass which has third and half-pint measures kindly marked onto the glass.  Don’t peak too soon and jump in for pints.  Get thirds and you can get a taste of the beer without risking too much of a hangover.

Start low

Start with the lower percentages and work up. Starting with the strong stuff never ends well!

Remember to eat and drink water

Carry some water around with you and take a break between each drink.  Pace yourself and enjoy the different beers.  Make sure to start your day with some food and top up throughout the event.  You could always try some beer and food matching as well.

For extra hydration and prevention of hangovers

We recommend drinking coconut water because it’s high in potassium and helps replenish electrolytes and keep you hydrated. You could also try Bounce Back alcohol revival drink (the first of its kind in the UK) or use vitamin patches to reduce the effects of alcohol – we’ve used these and they did work for us!

It’s not all about the cask beer

Don’t ignore the bottle bar, you’ll find some interesting beers, especially overseas ones.  At previous festivals we’ve also been able to take bottles home with us for enjoying at a later date.

The Zones of The GBBF 2019

The Great British Beer Festival is split into four areas this year.

Goldings Glasshouse

The iconic Olympia Grand Hall is packed over 40 different brewery-run and CAMRA-run bars.  As well as cider bars and a new wine and gin bar.

Cascade Courtyard

Here you will find international beers from the US and all over Europe, including German, Czech, Belgian and Dutch beers.

Pioneer Pavilion

New for this year’s festival, four innovative breweries: Magic Rock, Siren, Tiny Rebel and Wild Beer Co are taking over our Pioneer Pavilion.

Calypso Cavern

Here you will find the festival stage with space to chill out.

When

Tuesday 6th August – 5pm-10: 30 pm
Wednesday 7th August – 12 noon-10: 30 pm
Thursday 8th August – 12 noon-10: 30 pm
Friday 9th August – 12 noon-10: 30 pm
Saturday 10th August – 11am-7: 00 pm
Last Admission: half an hour before close.

Where

Olympia
Hammersmith Road
Kensington
London
W14 8UX

How to get to The GBBF 2019

London Overground

Kensington (Olympia) is on the London Overground network. It’s one-stop from Shepherd’s Bush (Central line) or West Brompton (District line).

London Underground

District Line

There is only a District line service from Earls Court at weekends.

When travelling from Monday to Friday, you should change at West Brompton for an Overground train to Kensington (Olympia).

Central Line

Change at Shepherd’s Bush for an Overground train to Kensington (Olympia).

Piccadilly Line

Baron’s Court is the nearest station.

Hammersmith & City Line

Hammersmith Station is the nearest station.

Circle Line

High Street Kensington and Hammersmith Station are the nearest stations.

Bus

9 – runs to and from Aldwych and Hammersmith.
23 – runs to and from Westbourne Park and Hammersmith.
27 – runs to and from Chalk Farm and Turnham Green.
28 – runs to and from Kensal Rise and Wandsworth.
49 – runs to and from White City and Clapham Junction.
391 – runs to and from Fulham and Richmond.
N9, N23, N27, N28 also run a night service.

Tickets

https://gbbf.org.uk/tickets/

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