The Pig's Ear

Pig’s Ear means beer in cockney rhyming slang in case you didn't know – I didn't. The Pig’s Ear Beer and Cider Festival, organised by the East London and City (ELAC) branch of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) takes place in the Round Chapel in Powerscroft Road, E5, from Tuesday November 30 to Friday December 3. This year it showcases 17 new beers from seven new London breweries: Brew Wharf, Brodie’s, Camden, Ha’penny, Kernel, Redemption and Sambrook’s. “The renaissance of brewing in London is wonderful and astonishing. None of the 17 London Beers on offer existed just two years ago; now they’re praised by more and more quaffers,” declared organiser Derek Jones. “They represent the revival of a once-glorious London brewing tradition. For centuries the city was Britain’s leading brewing centre but most breweries closed in the post-war period. These new producers are expressing skill and innovation that will give London new brewing status.” Derek Jones went on to say that the Grade II listed English Heritage building built in 1871 with a magnificent three sided gallery “will become a Chapel of the Blessed Barley and Holy Hop for almost 150 notable Real Ales.”

Hackney Homemade and Vintage Market

A new market selling homemade and vintage goods is to open in Hackney on November 7th. It will take place in the courtyard behind the lovely independent bookshop, the Bookbox (www.bookboxonline.co.uk).

The Bookbox, which boasts a charming ceramics cafe in its basement, is at 53 Chatsworth Road, Clapton, London, E5 0LH, UK on the corner of Glenarm Road.

The People...

The emphasis is on local, quality goods that are either handmade or vintage.

For the very first market, there is an impressive roll call of traders.

• Christa Davis (www.christadavis.com) selling vintage clothes, reconditioned cashmere and her latest designs.

• Rhea Daley-Serieux (www.eatmyheartout.com), a talented young Hackney photographer selling prints and postcards.

• Colin O’Brien (www.colinobrien.co.uk), an acclaimed Hackney photographer, selling posters, framed prints and books.

• Jane MacIntyre (www.hackneyhome.co.uk) selling vintage clothes and homeware.

• Jean Morris, who also has a stall at Broadway Market on Saturday, selling vintage postcards and prints.

• Ingrid Behic’s homemade goods include fabric hearts, toys, cards and Christmas decorations.

• Mary selling vintage ceramic homeware, much of it from the 1950s.

• Patricia Bennett is an expert knitter, selling baby cashmere balaclavas amongst other handmade items, who also runs popular knitting courses at Venetias.

• Kate Georgiou selling classic vintage clothes from the last 20 years as well as lovely homemade items.

The Philosophy...

is that stallholders and shoppers alike will enjoy a pleasant Sunday as part of their local community.