The British Invade Pittsburgh, or How I Learned to Love Britsburgh

There was a time that relations between the British and the United States was somewhat…strained. Words were had, taxes were levied, and battles were fought. In any other situation this would mean the two nations involved would pretty much be on bad terms forever. Most nations however aren’t England and the US. After some time to cool off and grow, both countries have developed a relationship that would be surprising under the best of circumstances, and is simply amazing knowing our history.

Pittsburgh seems to love England, so much so that the Steelers even played against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013 in London. As a city that loves its heritage, our connection to Great Britain is quite strong indeed.

It’s this type of connection that is the reason why, for six days in September, Pittsburgh will become Britsburgh. Ok, so our name isn’t officially changing but starting on September 9th the British will definitely be coming with music, food, events, and most importantly British beer. Fuller’s is helping us enjoy Britsburgh by featuring their ESB, London Pride, and London Porter throughout the week. This taste of England is just what we need to get us in the British spirit, so to speak.

The Britsburgh celebration is being organized by the British-America Connections Pittsburgh, a group of individuals who are passionate about the 250-year special relationship that Pittsburgh shares with Great Britain.
God Save The Queen
So why have Britsburgh in September? Well, the start date of Britsburgh is set to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II overtaking Queen Victoria as Great Britain’s longest-reigning monarch. To help the Queen and England celebrate this momentous achievement, Pittsburgh is going Britsburgh.

Queen Elizabeth was born on April 21st, 1926 and came to power on February 6th, 1952. Her coronation service the following year was the first ever to be televised. Along with reigning the longest, the Queen is also the longest-lived British monarch and is the world’s oldest reigning monarch, as well as the longest-reigning female monarch in all of history.
Celebrating With Fuller’s
Speaking of history, it’s no secret that many of the brewing techniques we follow today started in England, and that the English helped us to have the affinity for beer that is stronger than ever today. Fuller’s Brewery is located on the historic Griffin Brewery site in Chiswick, England. Beer has been brewed on this site since the 17th century, and Fuller’s has been making beer at the location since 1845.

The brewery was founded by John Fuller, and was handed down to his son John Bird Fuller, who partnered with Henry Smith and John Turner to grow the business, and making the Fuller Smith & Turner Brewery.

Fast Forward to today, and Fuller’s owns and operated more than 380 pubs, inns, and hotels across the south of England, and makes some of the best authentic British beer to be imported into the US.
Beer School With Fuller’s- BBC at The HYP
What do you get when you combine beer and school? Some might say “college,” and while you’d be mostly right, we’re talking about something a lot less expensive and you graduate in just one night.

On Friday, September 11th join Tony from Vecenie’s Distributing a the Cabaret Theater at Theater Square for a night of beer and education with Fuller’s Brewery. Tony and the folks from Fuller’s will be in attendance to talk all about Fuller’s lineup of authentic imported British beer as well as crack some jokes and simply have a good time. If you haven’t been to one of the beer schools yet, you’re truly missing out. For more information on beer school with Fuller’s, visit BeerSince1933.com.
Fuller’s Beer
Brewed since the 1950s, London Pride is, well, the pride of Fuller’s Brewery. This well-rounded beer comes in at a sessionable 4.7% ABV and is a great example of an English Pale Ale. London Pride pours a clear copper color and has both the taste and aroma of a nice bready malt with some nice toffee in the middle. A great, full-bodied beer that’s amazingly easy to drink, London Pride is possibly the best way to celebrate Britsburgh in a bottle or on draft.

If you like your beers extra special, then Fuller’s ESB is just about perfect. This Extra Special Bitter (ESB) comes in at 5.9% ABV and features a sweet caramel malt body with a slight herbal bitterness in the finish. Expect some light toffee, caramel, and even a hint of dried fruit in the aroma, and bread, raisins, and a herbal undertone in the taste. Overall, ESBs are easy to drink and great to pair with a good, meaty dish. Seek out the draft.

It’s the time of year when dark beers are coming back into popularity, and in the Britsburgh spirit, Fuller’s has their London Porter to offer. This 5.4% ABV beer is an award-winning example of the historic English style of beer. Smooth, creamy, and with just enough chocolate and coffee to balance the flavors out, London Porter is exactly the beer you’d expect to order in a classic English pub.

There’s a lot going on throughout the week of Britsburgh Fest, so check out bacpgh.com and beersince1933.com for all the events on info on how you can celebrate, to.

Look for the official Britsburgh window logo in these participating venues (as of publishing). Stop in have a Fullers and toast the Queen.

Pipers Pub
Patrick’s Pub ( Moon Twp)
Rugger’s Pub
Fox and Hound (North Hills)
New Bentleyville Tavern ( Washington Co.)
Hal’s Bar and Grill (North Hills)
James Street Gastropub
Sharp Edge Penn
Poor Richards Ale House ( Wexford)
House of 1000 Beers ( New Ken)
BRGR ( East End)
Hilton Garden Inn ( Oakland)
The Yard ( Market Sq.)
Diamond Market ( Market SQ.)
D’s Six Pack and Dogs

Fuller’s Brewery is proudly distributed in and around the Pittsburgh area by Vecenie Distributing. Vecenie’s is also a proud sponsor Britsburgh Fest