Bring Back The Beer!

In the last few years, Canberra has become known for its pop-up food and drink events. From the first ever Commons Street Festival late last year, to the Farmers and Foodies Markets on every Friday evening, there are no shortages of places and events to support local vendors and products. There are over ten local food trucks, and more than five local breweries that are seen throughout events in the nation’s capital.

However, at this year’s Night Noodle Markets, sponsored by Good Food Month, there were very few local vendors to be seen. Good Food Month, run by FairFax Media, has described the event as a “celebration of culinary culture highlighting the best food and produce Canberra has to offer”.

But Facebook page, CanBEERra, who informs the Canberran community about local beer events and stockists, believes that the Noodle Markets have been falsely advertised. Mat Farrington, who runs the Facebook page, says he knew as soon as he saw Lion Nathan’s involvement, it contradicted the description given on the Good Food Month website.

Naturally, NowUC went down to Reconciliation Place to check it out. Upon entrance to the markets, an information guide stated that there were two local vendors attending last Friday evening, out of 23 vendors. Not one local beer was on offer inside the gates, with even major Canberra brewer and recent award winner, BentSpoke being excluded.

The Noodle Markets is sponsored by a subsidiary of Kirin Group, Lion Nathan, and subsequently only mass produced, well-known beers by the company were on offer. Both Bent Spoke co-owner and head brewer, Richard Watkins, and Mat Farrington (CanBEERra) agree that this is most likely why local brewers have been pushed out of the event.

CanBEERra has been urging people attending the Noodle Markets to grab their beer from local pubs, or from the new pop-up bar, The Pop-Inn, which sets up at a new location around Canberra every few weekends. But even this pop-up bar has been left to find a space outside the main gates of the Noodle Market, and is located a short walk away at Old Parliament House.

Farrington says while he hopes that local participation will be higher next year, he will always use the CanBEERra page to “push for understanding on what is offered.” While BentSpoke added he will “always encourage the Canberra public to support good quality, local made beer.”

By Lizz McCarter