Charters territory!

2016 marks the 25th Anniversary  of Charters, Peterborough’s real ale barge. There’s plenty to celebrate and lots to look forward to... 

Almost 25 years ago, in September 1991, the first real ale enthusiasts crossed the gangplank to board something new for Peterborough, and indeed the wider region – a floating pub! Since then Charters has become a city institution, attracting lovers of good beer and good times from far and wide.

‘When Charters first arrived there was naturally a lot of buzz about it,’ explains proprietor Paul Hook. ‘It generated a lot of news: for example, the barge is so large it got stuck under Town Bridge!’ In fact, the refitted Dutch barge – originally built to carry cargo such as sand – only just made it up the River Nene, squeezing through the Dog in the Doublet lock with literally fractions of an inch to spare! But reach Peterborough it did, and with all aboard this quirky venue’s never looked back.

To celebrate its landmark year, Paul Hook and partner Patcharee Shaweewan have put together a programme of events that will keep Charters sailing through the year on a feel-good high. ‘We’ve been around for a while now and we want to make this a year to remember,’ says Patcharee. The silver anniversary programme of events begins on 24 March with the Annual Easter Beer Festival. Running throughout the Easter weekend, the festival promises a selection of at least 25 locally and nationally sourced real ales, ciders and perries, all washed down with great entertainment.

The festival fun is repeated from 30 June to 3 July as Charters’ second Annual Cider Festival casts off with more than 20 ciders to sample and plenty of live music, from folk to rock, to enjoy at this family-friendly event. Lovers of the fermented apple also need sustenance, so there’ll be a BBQ laid on with a range of sausages to indulge in – the perfect accompaniment!

Late August welcomes the Oakham Village Festival, a week-long feast of food, drink and music commencing on 24 August. Up to eight of the finest Oakham Ales will be joined by many other real ales and ciders, plus a gin and wine bar. Meet the team behind Oakham Ales and tuck into the famous Charters barbeque while soaking up the live music. Charters’ celebratory year culminates in a special 25th Anniversary Weekend from 1st-4th September.

Expect more of the same winning formula of good beer, live music and food, with a special talk on the history of the barge put on by Paul, the man responsible for bringing Charters to Peterborough. And, of course, you can still pop down for the ever-popular Summer Sundays, which this year starts on Sunday 29th May. Kick back with a drink and enjoy the fresh air and fantastic live music outside in the largest beer garden in the city. All of these events are free and everyone is welcome!

Charters Town Bridge, Peterborough PE1 1FP
Tel 01733 315700
www.charters-bar.com