Hat-trick of awards for MA columnist

Beer author Brown, who writes a monthly column in MA​, was awarded first prize for Best Beer Writer – Trade Media; Best Beer Writer – National Media; and Beer Writer of the Year.

Cask Report​ editor and another MA ​columnist Sophie Atherton came second to Brown in the Best Beer Writer – National Media category. In total, 18 awards were given out.

Talented communicators​

Last year’s Beer Writer of the Year and chairman of the judges Breandán Kearney said: “The awards recognise the UK’s most talented communicators about beer and pubs across a range of channels from books to blogs, press to podcasts.

“Pete Brown is a worthy Beer Writer of the Year,” he continued. “Whatever he’s writing about, he is unfailingly authoritative, not just about beer or pubs, but the wider world in which they sit and the history that has shaped them.”

Hairy Biker​ Dave Myers was made an honorary member of the British Guild of Beer Writers.

Myers, who was also one of this year’s judges, said: “There is some seriously good writing about beer and pubs out there and discovering it was a delight.

“The best writers combine a sure grasp of their subject matter with a talent for storytelling so, as a reader, you want to taste the beer they’ve drunk, visit the pub they’ve been to or meet the brewer they’ve interviewed."

Reaching a wider audience​

He continued: “Many of the winners and finalists are producing outstanding work that deserves to reach a wider audience and I hope that the added recognition from the awards helps to secure this.”

Guild chairman Tim Hampson presented Marston’s managing director Richard Westwood with the award for Brewer of the Year.

“Richard is committed to producing classic beers such as Pedigree and Banks’s Mild, while retaining the traditions of the five breweries owned by Marston’s. In addition, he has encouraged the development of innovative new beers such as the company’s Revisionist and single hop ranges.”

The awards: ​

Brewer of the Year:​ Richard Westwood, Marston’s

There’s A Beer For That Award for Best Beer Broadcaster​

Winner: Radio 4’s The Food Programme ​

Silver Award: Lucy Stevenson and Louise Mulroy

Badger Ales Award for Best Young Beer Writer of the Year​

Winner: Jacopo Mazzeo

Silver Award: Joshua Farrington

St Austell Brewery Award for Best Beer & Travel Writer​

Winner: Mark Dredge

Silver Award: John Holl

Guild Award for Best Beer Writer - Corporate Communications​

Winner: Carlsberg UK

Shepherd Neame Classic Collection Award for Best Beer & Food Writer​

Winner: Mark Dredge

Silver Award: Adrian Tierney-Jones

Caledonian Brewery Award for Best Beer Communicator - Online​

Winner: Jonny Garrett

Silver Award: Will Hawkes

Fuller’s 1845 Award for Best Beer Writer – Trade Media  ​

Winner: Pete Brown

Silver Award: Nigel Huddleston

Adnams Award for Best Beer Writer - Regional Media​

Winner: Alastair Gilmour

Silver Award: Susan & Judith Boyle

Molson Coors Award for Best Beer Writer - National Media​

Winner: Pete Brown

Silver Award: Sophie Atherton

The Michael Jackson Gold Tankard for Beer Writer of the Year 2016​

Winner: Pete Brown