Raise a Glass: Wetherspoon’s Autumn Beer Festival Returns (1–12 October)

It’s that time of year again: the leaves are turning, evenings are drawing in, and beer lovers across the Britain are getting ready for one of the highlights of the pub calendar — Wetherspoon’s Autumn Beer Festival, running Wednesday 1 to Sunday 12 October. 

Here’s what to expect, why it’s worth a visit, and tips to help you make the most of the festival.

What to Expect

A Broad and Bold Line-up of Ales

Across the 12 days, up to 30 real ales will be available. 

Of those, five will be from international brewers — from Australia, India, France and two from the USA. 

26 of the festival beers will be new to Wetherspoon — that’s a chance to try ales you may not have seen before in your local. 

Expect a variety of intriguing flavours and ingredients: beers with cucumber, lime, vanilla, blackberries and spices are part of the selection. 

Also included are vegan-friendly options. 

Value for Money

Wetherspoon’s festivals are known for offering good value. While the precise pricing at each pub may vary slightly, the festival is designed to showcase interesting beers without breaking the bank. 

Wide Coverage & Participation

This festival isn’t limited to a few flagship pubs — Wetherspoon venues across many branches will participate. For example:

In Nottingham, a number of city centre branches (and surrounding ones) are listed as participating. 

In Durham, The Bishops Mill is one example of a local pub joining in, showcasing overseas real ales. 

Walkergate Durham

In Slough and Windsor, the Moon & Spoon / King & Castle pubs are part of the branch offering.

So wherever you are, there’s a good chance your nearby Spoons will be involved.

Why It’s a Must-Visit

Discover new ales

Even regulars of real ale may find brews they’ve never tried before. With many festival beers being new to Wetherspoon, it’s an opportunity to explore.

International reach in your local pub

A beer from India or France in your local Spoons? It stretches the global reach of craft brewing into your neighbourhood.

Effortless tastings

Want to sample several without committing to full pints? Most Spoons beer festivals offer third-of-a-pint tastings (or “tasters”) at fair rates. (This has been standard in past festivals.) 

Community & camaraderie

Festivals bring a buzz — regulars meet new faces, beer enthusiasts chat over tastings, and some pubs host special events during the festival period (e.g. CAMRA socials). 

Seasonal timing

Early October is a sweet spot: not quite winter, but autumnal enough to make a cosy pub evening extra inviting.

Tips to Get the Most from the 12 Days

Check your local pub ahead

Some pubs may rotate which ales they carry, or whether they stock all 30. It’s worth checking the “guest ale” board or Spoons’ own app or website for details.

Start with tasters

If available, third-of-a-pint tasters let you try several beers without overdoing it. Use them to find a favourite before ordering a full pint.

Pace yourself

12 days is a long stretch — no need to rush through them all. Spread your visits out, and include rest days for your palate.

Take note of beer categories / symbols

Festival magazines (printed or digital) often include symbols or codes indicating which beers are exclusive, international, brewed especially for the festival, or include unusual ingredients. 

Pair with food

Wetherspoon pubs also offer full menus. Try pairing your ales with hearty dishes — cheese, meat pies, or even vegetarian/vegan options — to balance flavours.

Bring friends / share

Going as a group means you can try more styles and compare notes. If a beer is available in half or sharing sizes, it lets you explore without overindulgence.

Watch for special events

Some branches host extra events (e.g. CAMRA socials, brewery collaborations) during the festival. For instance, in the Moon & Spoon area, there’s a “branch social” event on 10 October. 

Use the digital resources

Wetherspoon often publishes festival magazines and ale lists digitally, and you may find tasting notes, allergen info and beer background online or in the app. 

Sample Beers Worth Keeping an Eye On

While the full list often comes closer to the festival start, here are some of the intriguing details already announced:

The festival will include beers made with cucumber, lime, vanilla, blackberries, spices. 

Five overseas brewers are represented — including the first time ever a real ale from India and France appear in a Spoons festival. 

Many of the ales will be fresh to Wetherspoon. 

These teasers suggest a bold, adventurous mix that should delight fans of traditional ales and curious drinkers alike.

The Wetherspoon Autumn Beer Festival (1–12 October) promises to be a highlight of the cider-and-brew calendar this year, offering a wide range of ales (including daring international brews) at reasonable prices, in the welcoming ambience of your local Spoons.

Whether you’re a real ale stalwart or a casual pub-goer wanting to broaden your palette, it’s a chance to explore, compare, and enjoy. Mark your calendars, scope out your nearest participating pub, and get ready to raise a glass (or three) in the name of festival fun.

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