After a two year break, the Highdown Inn at Totland is preparing for the comeback of its hugely popular beer festival weekend this month. It follows hot on the heels of the pub’s 3rd place success in this year’s Camra awards.
The much-anticipated event will take place over the weekend of June 22-24, offering a line-up of no less than 25 real ales – many of them rarely seen on the Island – along with live music and a delicious barbecue.
Hundreds of people are expected for what will be the pub’s 12th festival, and some have booked to stay for the whole weekend to make the most of the lively, relaxed atmosphere.
The huge gazebo in the pub’s garden will house a real ales bar, and there will also be a smaller outdoor bar serving gins and other tipples.
Local band The Accelerators will provide the live entertainment on the Saturday night, while a local Freshwater group, Dandelion Clock, are set to perform on Sunday afternoon.
As always the barbecues on Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime will offer a choice of fresh, locally-sourced meat and fish options as well as vegetarian and vegan choices.
Owner of the pub and B&B, Susan White, said she is looking forward to welcoming back many regular visitors to the event. A number have booked to stay over at the pub, and others at the Stoats Farm campsite just across the way. She also paid a warm tribute to her barman Graham, who expertly chooses all the beers, and said she couldn’t run the event without him, the chefs and the rest of the staff.
You can find the Highdown Inn on Highdown Lane, Totland, PO39 0HY. Call on 01983 753423, 01983 752450 or visit the website at: www.highdowninn.com.