BEER drinkers descended on a small Notts village at the weekend to sample some of the finest beer in the UK.
The White Horse, the Red Heart and the Three Crowns in Ruddington in the village showcasing a vast selection of beers – many of them brewed in the East Midlands.
The annual beer festival – now in its 11th year – featured 49 beers and the ale flowed as punters made the most of the warm weather.
"We've had around 200 or so people through the doors today already," said Lindsey Flint, White Horse landlady of nine years.
"When the weather is as good as this, it certainly helps."
Two of the most popular beers at the festival were both brewed in the East Midlands.
They were the Sherwood EPA, brewed in Hucknall by the Lincoln Green Brewing Company Ltd, and Buxton SPA, brewed in Buxton itself.
"For me the pale ales are what I prefer to drink on a day like this," said Barry Hewson, 63, who had travelled from his home in Long Eaton to attend the festival.
"The pale ales seem to be going down very well.
"I think the there has been a change in what is popular. The pale ales are becoming the drink for the younger generation and you can see why – some of these are delicious."
Another drinker, Dave Kirby of Clifton, who was basking in the sunshine of the White Horse's courtyard, said: "I've been to this festival before and it's excellent they do a very good job.
"But you need to get here early to make the most of it, because the beer will run out."
Russ Chappell of Arnold also made the trip to Ruddington to show his support for local festival.
"It's good to support something like this to keep pubs going. There is a fantastic selection my favourite so far is Intergalactic IPA, which is 6 per cent but very refreshing."
The Ruddington Beer Festival was the brainchild of Tony Beecroft, former landlord of the White Horse. He was inspired to organise a small beer festival in the village after visiting a much larger one more than ten years ago.
