Hairy Biker Joins Guild of Beer Writers

The British Guild of Beer Writers has presented its first honorary membership to Dave Myers - one half of the Hairy Bikers TV chefs duo - in recognition of his sterling work to promote beer and pubs.

As well as his various TV series with Si King, which included The Hairy Bikers' Pubs That Built Britain earlier this year, the honorary membership also recognised Myers' contribution to the Guild of Beer Writers' 2016 awards. He served as one of this year's judges, helping to select the award winners from the 150-plus entries submitted.

Accepting his honorary membership from Guild chairman Tim Hampson at the Guild's recent awards dinner, Myers said, "This was totally unexpected, but very welcome. I'm delighted to become part of an organisation that promotes beer and pubs: two great British institutions that I've always been happy to support.

"Judging the Guild's awards was a pleasure; I was delighted to discover a wealth of seriously good writing about beer and pubs by some talented communicators and I hope that by becoming involved with the Guild I might be able to help push more of their excellent work out to a broader audience."

Hampson said, "The Guild wanted to occasionally honour the work of people outside our membership who have fulfilled our mission ‘to extend public knowledge and appreciation of beer and pubs'.

"Dave was a dedicated and enthusiastic judge of our Awards, as well as being a powerful advocate for beer and pubs through his TV programmes and books. We're delighted to make him the Guild's first honorary member."

The Guild announced its winners for beer writing and communication in nine categories, as well as the overall Beer Writer of the Year, and Brewer of the Year, at an awards ceremony last week. For winners and more detail, visit http://beerguild.co.uk/guild-of-beer-writers-recognises-talent-with-annual-awards/

The British Guild of Beer Writers was formed in 1988 to help spread the word about beers, brewing and pubs. With around 300 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 media experts - be they journalists, authors, producers, photographers, illustrators or PR people. Supporters of the Guild include: brewers, pub companies, and many suppliers associated with the brewing trade. http://beerguild.co.uk/