Dea Latis celebrates women in the pub industry at beer tasting
Hosted at Portcullis House in Westminster last week by Ruth Smeeth MP and APPBG vice-chair, beer sommelier and Dea Latis founder Annabel Smith and co-founder Lisa Harlow, attendees were treated to six beer and food pairings (see box for details).
Beer and food pairings:
- Marston’s 61 Deep: served in Champagne flutes as an aperitif
- St Austell Tribute with fish and chips
- Joseph Holt Humdinger with mini croque monsieur
- Harvey’s Wharf IPA with onion bhaji
- Shepherd Neame Bishops Finger with pigs in blanket
- Marston’s Pearl Jet with mini roast beef and Yorkshire puds
- Liefmans Kriek with chocolate truffles
- Guests left with a bottle of Plum Porter, brewed by Titanic Brewery in MP Ruth Smeeth’s Stoke-on-Trent constituency, and a personalised bottle of Vedett, thanks to Duvel, who took photos of attendees and turned them into labels on the spot.
Smeeth said: “Often in parliament I’m the only woman in the room, so it made a lovely change to be in a room full of women.
“I was delighted to meet so many talented women who are working in brewing and related industries and I’m sure that their passion for beer will encourage more to forge careers in these sectors, and persuade more women to start drinking our wonderful national drink.”
Women's central role
She said it was inspiring to discover that women are playing such a central role in leading Britain’s beer renaissance.
Harlow said that the event was designed to achieve two aims: to highlight the women working in our industry and present it as a career choice for more women; and to encourage more women to drink beer.
“We’re glad that our MP guests enjoyed the evening and hope they are encouraged to become influential advocates for our cause,” she added.
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, added that she was “delighted that a growing number of female MPs are championing beer as Britain’s national drink”.
