The British Guild of Beer Writers has shortlisted 23 writers, journalists and bloggers in its annual awards. Winners will be announced — on Zoom — on 10th December.
The days before Zoom: winners at the 2020 awards ceremony
Judges read, viewed, and listened to some 140 entries, printed, online, and recorded. The judging panel, chaired by current beer writer of the year, Jonny Garrett, comprised: Tim Anderson, chef-owner of Japanese restaurant Nanban and beer expert; Gabe Cook, award winning cider expert; Jez Galaun, co-founder of Brixton Brewery; Kate Oppenheim, hospitality sector journalist and communications expert, currently publisher and editor of BII News; and Tom Stainer, CAMRA chief executive.
Jonny said: “We won’t remember 2020 for many positive reasons, but we should remember it as a truly great year for writing about pubs and beer. The way so many journalists came out fighting for the industry and supported each other’s businesses was a joy to see, and it really came through in the entries. There was some remarkable writing and broadcasting this year, so anyone who made the shortlist should be extremely proud.”
Guild chair, Pete Brown, added: “Earlier this year, we were questioning whether we would be able to run our awards at all, but we’re delighted that, thanks to our sponsors, we will be offering our winners recognition, trophies, and cash prizes next month.
“With precious little good news in our industry, it’s great to be rewarding talent and getting our members together for our awards announcement — even though we’re having to do that over Zoom rather than at a glitzy dinner!”
The SIBA brewer of the year, chosen by a member vote, will also be announced on the night.
Award nominees
SIBA brewer of the year: James Clarke, Hook Norton Brewery; Oli Fozzard, Roosters Brewery; Matt Hayes, Budweiser Brewing UK; Janine Shorrock, Ashover Brewery; Jeremy Swainson, Utopian Brewing
Guild award for best beer writer — corporate communications: Brixton Brewery; CAMRA; Ei Publican Partnerships; Women on Tap
Harvey’s Tom Paine award for best citizen beer communicator: Gabriele Bertucci; Ahmed ElAmin; Stephen Pratt; John Stooke
Shepherd Neame award for best beer and pub communications during lockdown: Emma Inch; Richard Molloy; Eoghan Walsh; Natalya Watson; Lily Waite
VisitFlanders award for best beer broadcaster: Matthew Curtis; Nick Law; Tim Sheahan; Natalya Watson; Jaega Wise
Asahi award for best beer and travel writer: Claire Bullen; Matthew Curtis; Adrian Tierney-Jones; Lily Waite
Budweiser Brewing Group award for best writing about no- and low-alcohol beers: Malin Norman; Jane Peyton; Natalya Watson; Lily Waite
Carlsberg UK award for best writing about sustainability in beer and pubs: Matthew Curtis; Anthony Gladman; Will Hawkes; Emma Inch
Heineken award for best beer communicator, online: Claire Bullen; Matthew Curtis; Will Hawkes; Breandán Kearney; Adrian Tierney-Jones; Lily Waite
Greene King award for best beer writer, print publications: Mark Dredge; Anthony Gladman; Will Hawkes; Simon Jenkins; Roger Protz; Natalya Watson
