FOURTH PORTAL
THE PAST AND FUTURE ALWAYS MEET IN THE PRESENT
About the Event
Introduction
Explore the myths and marketing behind craft beer at "Debugging Craft Beer Myths," hosted at The Compass Alehouse. This engaging session will guide you through beer’s rich history and innovation, revealing what truly goes into your glass.
Whether you’re a seasoned ale lover or simply curious, this tasting tour will deepen your appreciation and knowledge of the world of beer.
More on the event lead
John Warden is a retired acute psychiatric therapist turned publican and home brewer, with a passion for real ale and whisky. He founded The Compass Alehouse in Gravesend, leading the micropub movement and creating a community space that champions expertly crafted beers and whiskies. With a deep knowledge of brewing and a commitment to supporting local heritage, John combines his mental health background with his love for quality drinks, offering unique tasting experiences and fostering a welcoming atmosphere at The Compass.
Event Information
Each session has an "on the door" charge of £5.00
Each session lasts approximately 40 minutes for a maximum of 18 people.
First come, first served.
12.00 noon, 2.00 pm, and 3.00pm
Minimum age requirement 18+ (with ID required for under 25)
This event is perfect for beer enthusiasts, curious newcomers, and anyone interested in the craft behind their drink. Whether seeking to deepen beer knowledge or enjoy a unique tasting experience, "Debugging Craft Beer Myths" offers insights into the history and truth behind beer-making. It’s a must-visit for those who value tradition, innovation, and community in the world of craft beer.
___ Even more information ___
John Warden
Retired acute psychiatric therapist, home brewer, and publican.
Like many, I worked my way through college by supporting my income in a pub, gaining my first experiences in this often challenging industry. In my early twenties, I lost my taste for lager and turned to real ale, brewing my own and developing a deep passion for it. This sustained me through years in mental health work, yet ultimately led to dissatisfaction with the available beer choices, sparking a desire to make a difference.
I found my way into the ‘micropub’ revolution through a friend and local head brewer, realising this was my route into the industry (time and finances are always limited when raising a family and working for the NHS).
“Time to put your money where your mouth is,” was the encouragement from friends and family. In the 10 years since opening, our reputation, knowledge, and industry contacts have grown far beyond our size. Understanding the different types, styles, nuances, and needs of beer keeps me focused and constantly learning, as I push the limits of our business and premises.
It’s not all about beer, though—I’m a passionate whisky drinker and have put equal effort into understanding this historical, often misunderstood spirit. I now offer whisky-tasting experiences to share this knowledge and passion, both privately and at the Compass.
The Compass Alehouse
As a beer enthusiast and brewer, I always sought to improve my craft. I discovered that a local brewery used live or 'wet' yeast and wanted to brew with it. They agreed to let me have some, and I visited the brewery. Sitting amongst the casks, with the smell of hops and barley, the head brewer asked, “What do you think of micropubs?” I’d never heard of them but soon visited his partner’s newly opened premises.
This was the pivotal moment—the conception of The Compass. While still working full time, I chose premises that suited the business model, accessible to family and friends who would help staff it, with reasonable footfall and originally without nearby competition. By September 2014, we opened, proudly describing ourselves as an 'Alehouse' to clarify that we weren’t a typical pub. We aimed to provide a constantly changing selection of well-kept beers.
Focusing on gravity-drawn, cask-conditioned real ale, (though my knowledge of lager has rekindled my love for select varieties), we also stock Belgian and craft beers. Supplying whiskies from around the world, we now hold regular whisky tastings and an investment club. The Compass has changed the face of real ale drinking in Gravesend, paving the way for others to follow.
The Compass is a multi-award-winning venue. Unable to enter CAMRA’s Pub of the Year until 2016, we were nonetheless given the special favour of being listed in the Good Beer Guide. We currently hold the local CAMRA branch award, placed 2nd in West Kent and joint 3rd overall in Kent, consistently ranking in the top 3 every year since. We’ve been nominated in the Gravesham Business Awards, ranked #1 in TripAdvisor for Gravesham nightlife, named Best Pub in the Restaurant Guru Awards, and featured on Made in Kent Radio as well as in local and national press. Despite COVID, rising pub closures, and the cost-of-living crisis, we are immensely proud of our achievements.
However, The Compass is more than just a place to drink; it’s a community and a safe haven. Our customers are like family, volunteering their time and skills to help extend our opening hours and enhance the customer experience. They broaden our appeal, organise charitable events, and support each other both within and beyond the pub walls. They are the heartbeat of our success.
Website: https://thecompassalehouse.co.uk/
Socials
https://www.facebook.com/thecompassalehouse/
https://www.instagram.com/thecompassalehouse/?hl=en
