The annual British Guild of Beer Writers Awards are now open for entries. Beer, pub, and cider journalists, bloggers, broadcasters, and all-around communicators are invited to enter their work within 17 separate categories for a chance to win a prestigious award and prize money. For 2024, there are two new award categories: Best Short-Form Beer Writing and Best Technical Communication about Beer.
The winners and runners-up, alongside the Guild’s ‘Brewer of the Year’ sponsored by SIBA, will be announced during the esteemed annual event, to be held in London on the 27th of November 2024. For the second year running, the Guild has partnered with Big Penny Social to host the annual dinner and awards.
Discussing this year’s awards, Jonathan Garrett, Chair of the Guild, said, “In such turbulent times great writing and analysis of the beer industry has never been more important, and rewarding those who excel is a vital part of ensuring they’re able to continue. We’ve changed up the categories a little to reflect modern journalism and today’s beer industry, and hopefully this will help us celebrate an even more diverse and exciting range of writers and writing. I’m excited to see the shortlist once our independent and very talented judging panel have chosen them!”
For this year’s edition, the Guild is very proud to announce that Only A Pavement Away will be the Inclusivity Partner of the ceremony. The charity was founded by representatives from the hospitality industry to help those who are facing homelessness and are therefore struggling to get into work by offering career opportunities within the hospitality industry, facilitating training and development programs, creating capability for work, and offering financial support to overcome the barriers to employment. Funds will be raised during the evening to support Only A Pavement Away with their much-needed work.
All entries will be judged by the Guild’s independent panel, chaired by the current Beer
Writer of the Year, David Jesudason, who commented, “Winning many awards, including Beer Writer of the Year, has been the highlight of my career. It’s recognition of the impact that my journalism and writing has had with readers.”
This year’s judging panel will be revealed in the upcoming weeks. Full details of all categories and advice on how to submit entries can be found on the Guild’s website. Entries must be received via the dedicated entry website by the closing date of 25th of August, and work submitted must have been published between 1st September 2023 and 25th August 2024.
This year’s categories
- Best Commissioned Beer Writing, sponsored by Greene King
- Best Short-Form Beer Writing (new category)
- Best Technical Communication about Beer (new category)
- Best Book about Beer or Pubs
- Best Audio Beer Communication Best Video Beer Communication
- Best Communication about No and Low Alcohol Beer
- Best Communication about Sustainability in Beer and Pubs
- Best Communication about Beer and Travel, sponsored by VISITFLANDERS
- Best Communication about Pubs, sponsored by Shepherd Neame
- Best Newcomer to Beer Communication
- Best Beer Business Communicator
- Best Self-Published Beer Writing
- Best Citizen Beer Communicator
- Best Communication About Cider
- Guild Award for Best Communication About Diversity in Beer Best Corporate Beer Communication
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Notes to Editors
Contact Press: amelie@tipplemarketing.com / daisy@tipplemarketing.com
About the British Guild of Beer Writers
The British Guild of Beer Writers was formed in 1988 to help spread the word about beers, brewing and pubs. With close to 300 individual members and 60+ corporate members, its mission is “to improve the standards of beer writing and improve the public knowledge of beer and pubs.” Its members include the cream of the country’s beer communicators – be they journalists, authors, bloggers, producers, photographers, broadcasters, illustrators, or PR consultants. Corporate members of the Guild include brewers, brand owners, distributors, pub companies, and many suppliers associated with the brewing trade.
About Only A Pavement Away
Only A Pavement Away is a charity founded by representatives from the hospitality industry who believe that everyone deserves the chance to find and forge a career.
Their aim is to act as an effective conduit between forward-thinking hospitality employers and charities working with people facing homelessness, prison leavers and veterans who are struggling to get into work and overcome hurdles by finding jobs within the hospitality, pub and restaurant industry.
Only A Pavement Away will help those who are facing homelessness and are therefore struggling to get into work by:
- Offering career opportunities within the hospitality industry
- Facilitating training and development programmes, creating capability for work
- Offering financial support to overcome the barriers to employment including support with rent and other costs which may hinder stability
Outside of the moral benefits, the project is underpinned by a strong commercial and financial benefit to the hospitality, pub & restaurant industry whilst reducing the ever-increasing strain on government funding required for those who find themselves in such extreme and vulnerable circumstances.
The funds raised by Only A Pavement Away will be used to support those returning to work, supplement the resources required by the charities/associations to manage the project and promote the jobs available in the hospitality sector.
About Big Penny Social
Big Penny Social is a new type of community-focused venue designed to be a pub, arts centre and town square all rolled into one. A place to eat, drink and be entertained; for all ages and every walk of life; a place to enjoy a quick pint, entertain the family or gather for a national celebration.
Located just off Blackhorse Lane, Walthamstow, Big Penny Social has a beer hall, a versatile event space and a great big sunny beer garden. With a capacity for over 1,400 people, you’re pretty much guaranteed the perfect spot to socialise, whether you’re hosting a big celebration or just want to spend quality time with friends. There’s also room for casual meetings and anyone looking for a bit of space for themselves, to work or relax.
The food and drink menu focuses on seasonal ingredients and local producers, headlined by a rotating selection of beers, sourdough pizzas and barbeques. Everyone’s needs are catered for, with alcohol-free beer on tap, a huge selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, plenty of choices for kids, and options for gluten-free (and other) special diets.
A massive programme of live events, from live music, big-screen sports and movie nights to family discos, craft markets and comedy – plus free ping pong, pool, table football and board games – ensures there is fun and entertainment for one and all. A warm welcome awaits everyone (and their dog!) to enjoy great beer, great food and great times spent together. Because that’s what Big Penny is all about.
Contact Press: amelie@tipplemarketing.com / daisy@tipplemarketing.com