There’s no denying that women are in the minority within the beer industry and at beer festivals across the nation. Statistically, the beer world still doesn’t meet the needs of women – it’s a male dominated industry with just 14% of women regularly enjoying a beer.
That 14% includes a group of women from Nottingham, passionate about beer and eager to enjoy it with like-minded women. Born out of a conversation between two bar-owners in Nottingham, Lucy and Aimee, in 2022, No Half Measures is a collective of strong-willed female beer enthusiasts who gather to talk (and drink) all things beer in a relaxed and informal setting across Nottingham.
Alice and Clare were there from day one, and warmly endorse the welcoming nature and supportive environment it offers for each of its fifty or so members.
“There was clearly a need for it, as the enthusiasm was there from the beginning,” remarks Clare, fondly reminiscing on that first meeting in August of 2022, when twelve strangers cautiously approached one another in the quirky Barrel Drop pub.
“It was a little nervy meeting and learning each other’s names at first, but it was incredible.”
The group now includes those who work in the industry, as well as those who simply enjoy a drink - all are welcome.
“Lots of us have links to beer in Nottingham, and we meet in lots of different locations – we like to spread our wings a bit," Clare says.
"We’ve made friends with local breweries and pubs, so we try to go to lots of different places. You can be a part of the community without jobs in beer – you can just drink beer and like it to join us!”
They don't stop at just consuming the beer, though - No Half Measures also attend brew days and work with local breweries to brew their own local beer. These sessions include lessons on the manual process, allowing members to get into the heart of it through shifting and mashing – and bonding in the process.
“For me, they’ve really been the things that have united us all," Clare continues.
"They’re long days and we’re sitting around a lot, so there’s lots of chatting – that’s when the good stuff comes out!”
Aside from the social aspect and the enjoyment of beer, there’s also the harsh reality that many women still face today, within beer-drinking environments.
Seeking to challenge the perception of women in the world of beer, No Half Measures humbly challenge patronising or sexist remarks they may encounter.
“A number of us have been asked if we want a drink in a ‘lady’s glass,’” states Clare, citing one example of the marginalisation still experienced by women today.
Accepting that we all make uneducated mistakes, the members of No Half Measures are committed to providing the most effective, rational response in these instances. They’re not here to cause a riot, to mob sexist comments online or go in all guns blazing, but simply form allies and work to reduce the disregarding of female existence in the world of beer.
“We want to handle things like this respectfully, we like to chat to discuss how we can give the most effective response in a calm manner. We want to have those discussions and when we have had them, a lot of the time, people are understanding and recognise their oversight.”
They’re keen to highlight that they don’t seek to ‘beer-shame’ as we go on to talk about the etymology of their name, which derives from a desire to demonstrate that they’re no different to anyone: “Don’t treat us differently. We drink the same beer as you guys, and it’s an enthusiasm thing as well,” outlining the whole point of their existence being that they don’t want to be short-changed.
And despite the name, they certainly will be pouring in halves and thirds at next month’s Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival.
It will be the group’s debut year at Trent Bridge from 9-12 October.
With three stillages in the main marquee, close to the popular Blue Monkey Brewery and the main stage, they’ll be serving up a carefully selected range of thirty beers (and ciders) that come from breweries with a strong female presence.
“Everyone can drink at our bar,” they stress, “it’s not just for women. It’s to be enjoyed by everybody, whilst we also aim to put a spotlight on women in the industry.”
And they won’t be the only bar serving beer from breweries with a strong female involvement – “We know that other bars at the festival will serve beers like this, and that’s brilliant. If people approach us and let us know of a diverse brewery they know of, then that’s great, let’s connect – we want to be inclusive, not exclusive.”
The beverages are chosen with careful consideration by volunteers at CAMRA, the event hosts, who import beers, ciders and perries from brewers all over the country – which is no mean logistical feat. And beers from diverse breweries or those with a strong female presence on other bars at the festival will be highlighted by No Half Measures stickers.
“They’ve put a lot of time in to understanding what we want at the festival, and what beers fit our criteria. It’s not easy to find that out.”
Besides beer, the group of female volunteers will also be serving a range of ciders and gluten-free beer, and whilst they won’t have non-alcoholic beverages at their bar, there’ll be plenty of those being served across the festival.
“Non-alcoholic beer is a huge industry now, with supermarkets and good pubs offering a few different styles of it,” says Alice.
“That’s one of the nice things about the group,” adds Clare. “We can make recommendations to one another as well, so many of us can ask ‘have you tried this one? It’s really good.’ We like to try low-alcohol beers because when we go out, there’ll always be one or two of us driving or who have to work the next day.
“We’re looking forward to meeting people at the festival. It’s just nice to have a platform to show that we’re here, and we do drink beer. We want to help show that beer has a more diverse crowd.”
And they’re always ready to welcome new members – so how might women who are interested in the beer scene get involved?
“Come and speak to us at the festival, or Instagram is our main public platform and a great way to get in touch – we’ll then just add you to the WhatsApp.”
And the work doesn’t stop at the festival; No Half Measures get involved in projects to promote women in beer throughout the year, to help in their informal mission to improve the profile of women in beer within Nottingham.
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We can’t wait to welcome Clare, Alice and their fellow No Half Measures members to our concourse for the first time this year. Be sure to say hello, have a chat, and revel in the celebration of beer with some of Nottingham’s most passionate female beer enthusiasts.
The Robin Hood beer and Cider Festival takes place between 9 and 12 October - book your tickets here.
Find out more about the four day beer extravaganza here.
