Historic Sussex beer proves popular at Worthing Beer Festival, as it goes on sale for the first time in more than 100 years

Lost Brew was recreated by Harvey’s Brewery in Lewes after a ‘long-lost’ beer recipe from 1890 was discovered in the archives.

The 7.8% strong pale proved one of the highlights of the festival, organised by the Arun & Adur branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) at Rooms in the Guildbourne Centre, Worthing, with three ticketed sessions on October 23 and 24.

The deep gold beer was noted for its fruity flavour, with hints of banoffee pie, and it tasted surprisingly light for its strength.

Organisers said: “Harvey's of Lewes generously donated a cask of its new Lost Brew ale. The historic beer, which had not been brewed for many years and dates back to 1890, proved a huge hit with festival-goers and was the first beer to sell out.”

Brewer Henry Kirk curated the beer list, selecting 41 cask ales and 12 kegs, while Clare Longhurst selected ten ciders for the festival.

There is a particular emphasis on smaller, independent breweries and each year, Henry picks a particular focus, so beers rarely seen in Sussex are available.

A mix up in the system meant the Sheffield beers he had chosen this year went to Bradford by mistake but the error was quickly rectified and the barrels arrived just in time to be racked with allowance for settling.

The festival was supporting Care for Veterans and the charity's volunteers raised £1,100 at the event. A further £300 was added from unused drinks tokens donated by festival-goers.

Organisers reported strong sales, despite challenging weather conditions. They said the line-up, which included casks donated by sponsor UnBarred Brewery, was impressive.

The event also provided an opportunity to promote CAMRA and several new members signed up during the festival.

East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland visited early on Friday morning to meet the CAMRA volunteers behind the festival. As he has coeliac disease, Tom is unable to drink beer but he was still keen to learn about the choices on offer.

Other invited guests welcomed at the festival included the new owners of Goldmark Brewery, Ethan Belfield and Dan Spencer, staff from UnBarred and Harvey's, and owners and staff from a number of local pubs.

Something for everyone was the aim. The organisers said some people liked to look through the casks on display before making their choice, some liked to pour through the brochure first and some just came and asked for the strongest beer on offer.

Unusual choices included a rice lager from Kernel and a smoked cherry lager, KirscheWalder from Saint Mars of the Desert.