Hogs Back Brewery serving to County Show visitors

Thousands of visitors to the Surrey County Show this bank holiday Monday will be quenching their thirst with a refreshing pint of beer from the Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham, who are running the bar at the popular event, taking place in Stoke Park in Guildford on 28 May. Alongside Hogs Back’s flagship TEA (Traditional English Ale), beers on the bar include Surrey Nirvana, Outback Pale Ale, Hogstar English Craft Lager, as well as Hazy Hog cider. The brewer is also staging a number of beer appreciation sessions for visitors in a new ‘education centre’ beside the bar. Once again, Hogs Back will be sponsoring the popular Sheepdog Trial, taking place in the public arena. This year, for the first time ever, four past and present Supreme International Champions will be seen competing in the same arena at the same event. Avid BBC Countryfile watchers will most probably recognise the judge, Andy Jackman, who assists Matt Baker with the commentary on Countryfile’s One Man And His Dog. Spectators will be encouraged to get involved in the Sheepdog Trial by casting their vote, and by taking part in a ‘Spot the Dog’ competition – marking the point on a photoshopped image where a missing sheepdog’s nose should be. The entrant with the closest guess wins an exclusive sheepdog training day with an expert handler. Hogs Back managing director Rupert Thompson said, “Our brewery is named after the Hogs Back, one of Surrey’s most beautiful natural features, so we’re delighted to be at this event that showcases all that is great about our county. “We’re particularly pleased to be introducing the new education sessions. Customers are more interested than ever in the stories behind their food and drink, and we’re looking forward to talking about the way we brew and the ingredients that go into our beer, including the hops grown on our own hop garden next to the brewery.” Hogs Back will also be offering free tastings of TEA within the Visit Guildford marquee at the Show, and selling a wide range of ales and gift packs to take away. Hogs Back’s support for local events continues over the summer with a stall at the Ripley Grape & Grain Festival in June, followed by the Farnham Charity Bike Ride in July, where cyclists will be offered a refreshing be offered a refreshing sample of beer at the finish line. Thompson added, “We’re delighted to be part of these great events and look forward to serving our wonderful beers to thousands of local drinkers. It’s good to know that our involvement will also help to support a number of local charities.” Find out what's going on at this year's show and pre-book your tickets here.