History will be made at a beer festival in Farnham this week as a new brewery will serve its first pint to the public.

Don’t be surprised to see an out-pouring of emotion from Greg Strutton as Farnham Town Brewery will be officially launched at Beerex this Thursday, April 10.

His debut tipple, Blind Bishop’s Steps, is one of 115 ales, lagers and ciders available to drink during the three-day event in Farnham Maltings.

“This is it and I’m really looking forward to it,” said Mr Strutton, who set up the microbrewery in the garage of his North Avenue home.

“It’s the first time people will be trying it in public and it’s been long process getting to this point.

“It’s been a passion project and a challenge. I thought ‘why not?’ without realising how difficult it would be logistically.”

Farnham's soon-to-be-mayor Brodie Mauluka made his debut on the stage at Beerex with band Brobed Stils
Farnham mayor Brodie Mauluka shows off his bar skills at last year’s event. (Farnham Lions)

Mr Strutton has always been a keen home brewer but it’s now a hobby that “has got out of hand”. Eighteen months ago he was encouraged by some of his friends to start selling his beer and the enterprise started to grow.

He eventually got a brewing and wholesale licence and experimented with hops and flavours. His first beer, Blind Bishop’s Steps, is a very quaffable 4.1 per cent bitter made with Fuggles hops with roasted notes and hints of chocolate malt.

Further beers linked to Farnham’s history are planned while Mr Strutton hopes to supply some of the town’s pubs.

It’ll be all hands to the pumps over the coming days for the Farnham Lions as Beerex is one of the biggest and most popular events on the group’s fundraising calendar.

The festival has raised more than £1million for charity since its first was held in 1977 while becoming one of the biggest events of its kind in the South.

Visitors will find a host of local favourites with tipples from the likes of FTB, Farnham Brewing Company, Hogs Back and Triple FFF along with beers from far-flung places like Orkney.

“We will have plenty of local favourites,” said a spokesperson for the Lions.

Jennifer Ward Farnham Brewing Company Beerex
Jennifer Ward, general manager at the Farnham Brewing Company, serves up a pint of Wey IPA, which will be available at Beerex. (Tindle/Paul Ferguson)

“There will also be some from much further away and this year’s Beerex will also feature a Cornish Bar, along with specialist craft beers and cider bars.

“Love him or hate him, Jeremy Clarkson's Hawkstone session lager will there too, and we’ve got a great range of ciders in, ranging from traditional farmhouse to a pina colada cider.”

Speciality beers, stouts, porters, lagers and bitters will be available along with gluten free, vegan, and low or no alcohol beers both in cans and on draft.

Live bands will be on stage at the evening and Saturday lunch time sessions to entertain the crowds while there’s no excuse to go hungry with everything from chips and curry to steak and smashed burgers being served up.

Tickets for the Saturday lunchtime session are sold out but some remain for the evening, with more availability for Thursday and Friday sessions.

For more details and tickets visit https://www.farnhambeerex.org.uk