Ep 37. Bromyard Hops

Countryfile is a popular TV show that explores the beauty and diversity of the British countryside. Season 28 episode 37, titled "Bromyard Hops," is no exception. In this episode, viewers are taken on a journey to Bromyard, a small market town in Herefordshire known for its hops.

The episode begins with a visit to the hop fields, where Jim Eaves, a local farmer, is busy picking hops. The camera captures the stunning beauty of the fields, with rows upon rows of hop plants stretching out as far as the eye can see. Jim explains that hops have been grown in Bromyard for centuries and that they are a vital ingredient in brewing beer.

Next, Sean Fletcher meets up with Neil Worthington, a hop picker who has been harvesting hops for 70 years. Neil takes Sean on a tour of the hop fields, pointing out different varieties of hops and explaining the process of picking them by hand. As they work, Neil regales Sean with stories of his time as a hop picker and the changes he has seen in the industry over the years.

Then, Ellie Harrison visits a local brewery to learn about the process of brewing beer. She meets with head brewer Peter Amor, who takes her through the different steps in the process, from mashing the grains to adding the hops. Ellie gets a hands-on experience, trying her hand at stirring the mash and adding hops to the brew. Peter also explains the importance of using local ingredients, including hops grown in Bromyard.

Meanwhile, Tom Heap meets with Chris Fiddler, the owner of a local hop farm. Chris explains how modern technology is being used to improve the quality and yield of hop crops. He shows Tom around his hop fields, and they discuss the challenges facing the industry, including climate change and pests like the hop aphid.

Finally, Anita Rani visits the annual Bromyard Hop Festival, a celebration of the town's hop-growing heritage. She meets with locals who have been involved in the festival for years and takes part in the traditional hop picking ceremony, where the hop queen and her attendants harvest the first hops of the season. Anita also samples some local brews and learns about the history of the festival from its founder, Reg Prentice.

Overall, "Bromyard Hops" is a fascinating exploration of the role that hops play in both the local economy and the wider world of beer brewing. The episode showcases the beauty of the hop fields, introduces viewers to the colorful characters involved in the industry, and highlights both the challenges and the innovations taking place in hop farming today. Whether you're a beer lover or simply enjoy learning about the diverse cultures and traditions of rural Britain, this episode is not to be missed.