Celebrity chefs turned out in force last night at the White Horse, Parsons Green, to celebrate the launch of Brian Turner’s Amber Ale. Antonio Carluccio and Ainsley Harriot arrived, along with Thornbridge brewer Kelly Ryan (as pictured above) to support Brian with the launch of his first cask beer.

Brian Turner is best known as one of the quick fingered chefs creating culinary masterpieces  in next to no time on Ready Steady Cook.  With beer Brian has taken a little longer to create an Amber ale, with award winning brewery Thornbridge.  Brian explains “The launch of the Amber ale is a return to my roots. Growing up in West Yorkshire my father and family were committed beer drinkers but as a young Chef, developing my skills and knowledge, it was critical that I studied wine as the complement to foods – an enjoyable study that took me to the world’s best wineries and gave me the chance to meet some of the great producers”.  

Antonio Carlucci, Brian Turner, Ainsley Harriot

Brian has always had a strong interest in great British Food and Drink and has written books and supported campaigns on the subject. Having noticed the growth of new breweries in the UK and the resurgence in the cask beer market he was delighted to be asked by the British Guild of Beer Writers to cook for them at their Annual Beer and Food Dinner in December 2006 and again in 2007.  In doing so says Brian “I discovered, what many have before me, that there is a great range of beers now available in the UK and that these make a great partner for foods”. 

Brian was able to further this interest and knowledge of beer with a succession of visits to the brewery at Thornbridge, recommended by the Beer Writers, and meetings with the brewers. The result is the launch of the Amber ale a culmination of many hours of discussion about beers that are “fantastic with food” (The first of four beers Brian plans to launch with Thornbridge over the next 12 months).

The Amber Ale (4.2%) – developed and brewed at Thornbridge -  is a  bronzed, amber colour with tastes of honey and caramel with a smooth, dry, rye toast finish. The hops are East Kent Goldings and Fuggles and malts – Maris Otter, Dark Crystal, Amber, Chocolate and some Roasted Barley. The beer is a great match for the succulence of the meat in a steak, ale and caramelised onion pie.

Antonio Carlucci, Brian Turner, Ainsley Harriot and Kelly Ryan

Brian is delighted with the Amber Ale and reports “I am really enjoying my beer journey and am honoured to be playing a small part in supporting and promoting one of the great British products”. 

The Amber Ale has been launched with Mitchells & Butlers and will be available in Nicholson’s and Classics for the full 3 month winter programme.