In all of my 34 years at the brewery I have never experienced such problems with the weather. It got so cold over the week-end before Christmas that on the Monday even some of the steam mains had frozen.

Just to keep the Banks's brewing we imported loads of temporary gas heaters and dotted them around key areas of the brewery……despite massive costs they just managed to keep us going.

It is just worth saying a huge thanks to all the guys in the brewery who were working in sub-zero temperatures just to keep the Banks's flowing and a special thanks to all of our drivers and draymen who were out delivering your beer when most distribution fleets had given up. Class.

Things are at last getting back to normality in the brewery and now begins the big January clean following our biggest time of the year.

First task in the week is to begin thinking about the recipes for all our seasonal and comemorative beers we have coming up.

Look out for a competition in the press to name the Royal Wedding brew and possibly come in and help us brew it.

In the meantime I wish you all a very happy and prosperous 2011. I sense it will be a good'un for Banks's.

Humulus lupulus @Banks's

Worcester, Hereford and Kent still grow the finest aroma hops in the world and 95% of our hops come from here. It's one of our highlights of the year, seeing the fruits of the farmers' labour come to life and knowing that the lupulin of the cones will enhance all of our beers. It also gives me chance to spend loads of dosh.

You may be surprised to know that we contract hops 5 years in advance, to ensure we get the best and our growers have security. A classic "win win".

After "hopping" I'm off to the  "Plaisterers Hall" in London to receive our award for the National cask ale Brewer of the year.

Days don't get much better than that, I'm almost ashamed to say that I also get paid.

I'll let you know how I get on!

This beer should be available all year round, our drinkers shouldn't have to wait for National Curry week!

Sarah tells me she is producing minicasks to order in the Visitors centre, give her a ring and order one and if you think the same as me ring or e-mail your thoughts.

Think there's a pint left in one, that will help me through Holby City….or into it!

Looking forward to trying a few new beers too!

Any way, lets keep our fingers crossed the sun will come back out, beer, food and sunshine - I can't think of a better weekend recipe!

The jaunty Brazilian National Anthem……

Broken metatarsals……

Germany losing to the Aussies in their first match……

Germany still managing to reach the semi-finals….

The silky handling skills of Thierry Henry…..

And ENGLAND……..!

What better way to prepare for those celebrations than brew a special footy ale, and by the way Banks's Lions Roar has being flying out the brewery gates it's a real cert to score.

Brewed to a quaffable 3.8% Banks's Lions Roar has a solid backline, comprising a sturdy blend of Pale, Crystal & Amber malts; A rugged, yet creative midfield combo - Goldings, Challenger & Target hops; And a spiky strike force of Styrians, Cascade & Galena to give a potent hop attack, with a devastating finish.  Back of the net!!!

BANKS'S LION'S ROAR

A Strong and Stable coalition of flavours.

Brewed in the National Interest.

Simon Yates - The Banks's Brewing Team

It's certainly been a hectic start to 2010 for me and my team. Sales of cask ales continue to grow so it's important that we keep up with demand to keep our drinkers happy!

It's been great to help set up the new Brewery Tour as well. I've felt a bit like Willy Wonka opening this famous old brewery to the public! Luckily tickets are a bit easier to come by though!

It would be great if as many of you as possible get to visit us and see the magic of brewing for yourself. And please let us know your comments, we're always interested to hear what you think.

Cheers - until next time!