WHERE to start?

It’s the perpetual quandary at beer festivals everywhere - and next weekend in York will be no different.

Anyone arriving The Slip and The Swan will find themselves spoilt for choice, and that’s an understatement. Over two pubs, three days and four bars, there will be 51 beers to choose from, from 50 breweries from around the country, for a festival that has cemented itself as the best in York.

So. Where to start?

Let’s begin with some of the newbies, from breweries whose beers have rarely if ever been seen in York pubs.

West Pier Pale Ale by Brighton Bier is brewed with Columbus, Centennial and Cascade hops and is described as “a classic, hop forward, flavour-packed pale ale”. At four per cent, it could be a sensible opening choice.

Or you may want to seek Salvation, from Charnwood Brewery, which opened in Loughborough last year. The brewery says that one, which has an ABV of 3.8 per cent, is a refreshing golden beer, with tropical fruit, citrus and floral flavours.

York Press: The Swan, in Clementhorpe, York

>>> FLASHBACK: Why The Swan is so appealing

Or, if you want something a little stronger, you may want to consider Bronze, a brand new beer by Boss Brewery, which launched in Swansea earlier this year. It’s 4.6 per cent, and is the brewery’s maltiest beer yet, they say.

Or, if you know what you like and you like what you know, you’ll be heartened by the presence of some familiar names.

Great Heck Chopper, at 3.8 per cent, is a fantastic pale ale. White Wild Swan by Thornbridge is citrusy and refreshing, and comes in at only 3.5 per cent. Marble Pint, from Manchester, is always a favourite, and local breweries Roosters, Rudgate, Leeds, Treboom and Bad Seed are also represented.

And if you want something a little heftier or more adventurous? Fear not, there is no shortage of options there either, says licensee Paul Crossman.

“We have tended towards the pale and golden as those are the ones that always prove most popular,” he says. “But it wouldn't be a beer fest without a few curve balls.

“The Brass Castle on The Slip indoor bar sounds amazing – a cherry chocolate stout. Also, I think the Dark Star beer on The Swan bar will be a stand out.

“Both are at the stronger end of the scale as is Urban Assault by Anarchy - which I trust will blow a few socks off.”

The pubs are 100 yards apart, in Clementhorpe and Bishopgate Street in York. The festival runs from 3pm on Friday and then from noon on Saturday and Sunday. As well as the beers, there are ciders and perries, a barbecue at The Slip, hot food at The Swan and live music throughout the weekend.

York Press:

SWAN: Inside Bar
Treboom – Swan Festival Blonde 3.8%
Revolutions – Cocker 3.9%
Heavy Industry - Freak Chick 4.2%
Bad Seed – Single Hop Pale Ale 4.5%
Black Iris – Stab in the Dark 5.0%
Dark Star – Carafa Jade 5.0%

SWAN: Outside Bar
Thornbridge – Wild Swan 3.5%
Black Hole – Bitter 3.8%
Charnwood – Salvation 3.8%
Phoenix – Navvy 3.8%
White Horse – Black Beauty 3.9%
Amber – Derbyshire Gold 4.0%
Brighton Bier – West Pier Pale Ale 4.0%
Newark – Norwegian Blue 4.0%
Partners – Cascade 4.0%
Saltaire – Raspberry Blonde 4.0%
Twisted – Rider 4.0%
Blue Monkey – Sanctuary 4.1%
Elland - Catch The Rainbow 4.1%
Brewsters – Hop A Doodle Doo 4.3%
Acorn – Old Manor Porter  4.4%
Dancing Duck – Waddle it Be? 4.5%
Boss – Bronze 4.6%
Brunswick – Rocket 4.7%
Anarchy – Urban Assault 5.0%

SLIP: Inside Bar

Great Heck – Chopper 3.8%
Ridgeside – Centaurus 4.1% followed by Cascade 4.1%
Copper Dragon – Twister 4.2%
Brightside – Kiwi NZ 4.6%
Brass Castle – Black Forest 6.0%

SLIP: Outside Bar
Leeds – YEP 3.7%
Lytham – Radler 3.8%
Abbeydale – Admiral 3.9%
Bosun's Brewery - Horbury Blonde 3.9%
Marble – Pint 3.9%
RedWillow – Headless 3.9%
Brown Cow – White Dragon 4.0%
Greyhawk – Blonde Obsession 4.0%
Springhead - Drop O'The Black Stuff Porter 4.0%
Waen – Festival Gold 4.2%
Walls – Yorkshire Gold 4.2%
XT - 3 (IPA) 4.2%
Bridestones - Pennine Gold Golden 4.3%
Roosters – All Star 4.3%
Milestone - American Pale US Pale 4.6%
Rudgate – Strength in Numbers 4.6%
Animal Squirrel - American Amber 4.6%
Celt Experience – Castell Coch 4.7%
Cotleigh – Old Buzzard 4.8%
Double Top - The Ringer 5.0%