Mixed reviews about beer fair
WIERDA VALLEY- Sandton Craft Beer Fair is a platform for South African breweries to showcase their different ales.
With a selection of 11 breweries and over 40 beers and ciders, a beer-themed cocktail bar and an enjoyable spread of gourmet food stalls, the second edition of the fair was sold out weeks before the event.
Some of the brands on show were Darling Brew, Jack Black, Aces Brew Works, Everson Cider, Citizen, and SMACK Republic.
These microbreweries are not easily available to the public, and are often only sold in certain bars or restaurants. The objective of the fair was to give people the opportunity to engage with these microbreweries.
Craft beer focuses on the workmanship, taste and design of the process.
The event took place at The Sands in Wierda Valley, and received mixed feedback from all who attended. Some felt that the organisers were ill-prepared for the amount of people who came to the fair.
According to some patrons, there were not enough parking spaces for the amount of cars, and there were long queues to get into the venue, buy tokens for the stalls, and purchase beers. According to the Facebook event page, people were frustrated with the management of the fair.
One patron, Wolfgang Oachkatzlschwoaf Kamper, commented, “What a mess.”
“I walked in and out because it took up to two hours in a queue to buy tokens,” said Kamper.
However, another patron, Jane Rosen, said the beer fair was not a disappointment.
“With this new surge of amazing social activity happening in the city, hosting an outdoor event in the heart of Sandton with beer, live music and some poles of hay is a dream for us who crave spending time outside,” said Rosen.
Communications manager for the beer fair, Maide Rodrigue, added that there was a lot of positive feedback, overall.
“People had no complaints with regards to food, drinks and service, however we did have a few complaints with regards to the toilets and the token system,” said Rodriguez.
“The organisers felt it went well. We can and will improve in providing more bathroom facilities, as well as more stands for token sales. We take every single client’s opinion very seriously, and will continue to better ourselves and the event to provide an awesome experience.”
