Paula Smart, one of the event organisers, enjoying a glass of Purity Saddle Black at the White Rose.

The first Winter Ales Walkabout got off to a good start this weekend with real ale fans enjoying an excellent selection of dark beers, stouts, milds and porters in five Mumbles pubs.

The Woodman, the Pilot, the Park, the Victoria and the White Rose all took part in the festival, which it’s hoped will become an annual event.

Beer of the weekend for many Camra members was Purity Saddle Black, 5.1 ABV, a Warwickshire brew.

The Mumbles Brewery, based at the Pilot of Mumbles, brewed a beer especially for the event called Nuclear Winter. It packed a punch at 7.8 and tasted like Christmas pudding!

Entertainment was on offer as well as beer, with live music at the Victoria and Dylan Thomas re-enactments from the Lighthouse Theatre Co at the Park and the Pilot.

Kevin Martin, landlord of the Park Inn in Mumbles, said: “It was a Camra initiative so they deserve praise, but we thought it would be a good idea to get involved to encourage more community spirit.

“It was also about encouraging people to try something new. We use the slogan ‘Don’t be afraid of the dark!’ because blonde ales have become very popular of late and the traditional milds, stouts and porters have been somewhat neglected.”

Going over to the dark side!

Beers on offer at the Victoria Inn, Mumbles.

Camra members enjoying the dark beers in the White Rose, Mumbles.

Is that bliss on their faces?

Camra members Steve Smart and Alan Watkins, who helped organise the walkabout.