Meet Pete Brown, a friend of Whyte & Brown

Beer Writer of the Year 2009 and 2012, Pete Brown, is a British writer and broadcaster who specialises in making people thirsty. He wrote a series of books including the highly acclaimed ‘Man walks into the pub: a sociable history of beer’ and has worked with us to create a beer menu that we’re really proud of.

We caught up with him for a quick chat:

Can you remember the first beer you ever tasted?

Yes, I was 14 when I drank a half of Kestrel lager (with a dash of lime cordial). I remember spilling it all over our Cluedo board - it’s stunk of beer ever since!

For someone who doesn’t drink much beer, what is a good beer to start off with?

Typically people recommend starting off with a light, non-challenging beer but it really depends on what you already drink. For example, I’d recommend a big, aggressive stout to someone who already enjoys dark, heavy wine.

With so many mainstream breweries making ‘craft beer’, has the term ‘craft beer’ lost its meaning?

Personally I think word ‘craft beer’ has more to do with the integrity of the beer than the brewery it came from. There are plenty of huge breweries that make fantastic craft beers that aren’t labelled as ‘craft’. Just like there are plenty of small breweries that make ‘craft’ beers that are poor quality.

Have you got any quick tips for matching food with beer?

There now exists an established framework for beer and food matching. A beer must either contrast, compliment or cut through the food it’s being matched with. For example cheese is well matched with a lively carbonated beer that cuts through the flavour.

What’s your favourite dish at Whyte & Brown?

I had your hot and sticky chicken wings the other day and they were delicious - very moorish!

Quick fire round:

Granny Smith or Pink Lady?

I love Granny Smith for their sharpness.

Rolling Stones or Elton John?

Oh that’s easy, Rolling Stones.

Green tea or hot chocolate?

Green tea - it balances all the beer I drink!

Kew Gardens or Harry Potter museum?

My next book is on apples (check out his fantastic books here) so it would have to be Kew Gardens.

Beer bottle or beer can?

Beer bottle. My eyes have been opened to the pros of cans for maintaining the integrity of beer.

Starter or dessert?

Starter every time.

True Detective or Breaking Bad?

Haven’t watched either. However I have been watching Battle Star Galactica recently - if you’re not already, watch it!