What is the minimum age to attend?

Attendees must be 18 or older; the event operates a Challenge 25 ID policy, so bring valid identification.

When should I arrive?

Arrive about 10 minutes early for a 7pm check-in; the first tasting is poured promptly at 7pm.

Are refunds available?

No refunds—the event policy states that bookings are non-refundable.

How many tastings are included?

The tasting includes six generous samples of new craft beer selections guided by the host.

Can I buy food or drinks at the venue?

Yes—Piecaramba runs a £12 pie-and-pint deal alongside the event and craft beer cans are available to purchase at the bar.

What if I have allergies?

Please inform the hosts of any allergies before the event or on arrival so they can advise and accommodate where possible.

Battle of the Beers: Southsea Craft Beer Tasting at Piecaramba | Guided Tour | Events

Battle of the Beers is an intimate, guided craft-beer tasting held in Southsea, Portsmouth. Meeting at Piecaramba, 116 Albert Road, Southsea, PO4 0JS, this three-hour evening event gathers a small group of beer fans to sample six bold new releases, learn tasting techniques, and vote for a crowd favorite. The format is lively and social: a resident beer expert pours each generous tasting, talks through the style and production notes, and hands out tasting cards and scoresheets so everyone can compare impressions.

This event highlights what makes Portsmouth's drinking scene interesting - small brewers experimenting with crisp, hazy, punchy, and even rebellious styles, and local venues like Piecaramba collaborating to bring them to the public. The social setup (maximum six guests) keeps the tone conversational: expect side-by-side comparisons, friendly debates, and a final prize draw that sends someone home with an extra memory.

What to expect: arrive ten minutes early for a 7pm start; tastings continue through the night and the event wraps up at 10pm after the prize draw. The host recommends cash for the optional prize draw and notes a Challenge 25 ID policy—this event is strictly 18+. Pie and pint deals run alongside the tasting, and craft beer cans are available for purchase at the bar if you want to bring a favorite home.

Why book it: Battle of the Beers is run by local enthusiasts on a not-for-profit basis, so the focus is pure flavor and community rather than markup. For visitors, the night is a quick, friendly way to meet locals, sharpen tasting vocabulary, and sample bottlings you might not find in national pubs. The format also works well for a casual date night, a small celebration, or a relaxed learning session for anyone curious about beer styles.

Logistics and etiquette: there are no refunds, spaces are limited to six, and allergies should be declared in advance. Wear whatever you're comfortable in—this is a pub environment rather than a formal tasting room—and leave space in your evening for conversation. If you want to continue exploring, Albert Road's independent bars and nearby Southsea Common make for a pleasant post-tasting stroll.

Expect a relaxed, slightly noisy pub atmosphere where the emphasis is on tasting and conversation rather than formal lecture. The meeting point, Piecaramba at 116 Albert Road, sits within walking distance of Southsea rail and frequent bus routes; street parking is limited, so plan to arrive by foot or public transport. Notify the hosts about allergies when booking and bring ID for onsite verification.

About Portsmouth Foodguide Ltd

Portsmouth Foodguide Ltd operates guided food and drink tours in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The company organizes a range of curated walking tours and tasting events that showcase local pubs, breweries, distilleries, and restaurants. Offerings include multi-hour walking tours such as The Admiral’s Walking Tour of Portsmouth, The Captain’s Walking Tour of Portsmouth, and A Sailor’s Walking Tour of Portsmouth, each featuring multiple pub stops and craft beer tastings. Portsmouth Foodguide Ltd also runs specialty events, including Battle of the Beers tastings at venues like The Vaults and The Brewers Tap, and themed evenings such as the Ultimate Gluten Free Food & Wine Pairing Night at Sant Yago's Basement Bar, which supports Coeliac UK.

Tours combine tasting portions, brewery or venue visits, and knowledgeable commentary about Portsmouth’s food and drink scene. Some experiences include snacks, vehicle transfers, or brewery tours depending on the itinerary. Trip durations vary from approximately 2.5 hours to 6 hours to accommodate different interests and group sizes. Portsmouth Foodguide Ltd partners with local venues to create authentic experiences that highlight regional flavors and craft producers.

Booking information, exact itineraries, and current availability are provided by Portsmouth Foodguide Ltd through their event pages and listings. All descriptions here reflect the company’s published trip summaries. Travelers should review individual trip details for age restrictions, dietary accommodations, pricing, and meeting locations prior to booking. Customer reviews and third‑party listings offer additional insights into recent tours, punctuality, and guide knowledge; prospective guests are encouraged to consult those resources for informed bookings.