Photography for P&O Cruises by Alun Callender
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Olly Smith's top four beers for Father's Day

Father’s Day is all about spending time with the main man in your life – be it your dad, grandad, uncle, step-father or fatherly figure – and making his day. 

3 min 15 Jun 2023

Editorial Team

Author

I love nothing better than the informality of a great beer and a hearty meal with family and friends. Thanks to the carefully curated range of fabulous British beer across the entire P&O Cruises fleet, making his day has never been more enjoyable. Kick off Father’s Day with a brand-new brew from The Keel & Cow on board Iona. I’ll see you there for a pint!

1. Jolly Olly Sunbeam

I’m delighted to be serving my very own beer on board Iona – a vibrant light beer that’s the perfect thirst quencher to get the celebrations started. Satisfyingly scrumptious, it’s made by my local Harvey’s Brewery in Sussex, and is a world exclusive to The Keel & Cow.

2. Black Sheep Best Bitter

From Aurora to Arvia, across the fleet you can find great British beers and one of my favourites is Black Sheep, brewed in Masham, North Yorkshire. I’ve visited the brewery and love this balanced rich bitter with its surging hoppy bite. Made by a family with impeccable brewing credentials, it’s an absolute winner for dad thanks to its a fulsome character – and if you want to treat him to a bit of sausage and mash to go with it, so much the better.

Beautiful scenery near Masham, North Yorkshire
Beautiful scenery near Masham, North Yorkshire
Beautiful scenery near Masham, North Yorkshire
Beautiful scenery near Masham, North Yorkshire

3. Eagle Brewery Banana Bread Beer

One of those unmistakable British gems that points to our heritage of invention when it comes to brewing. Ale was once known as ‘liquid bread’ and in this recipe the brewers have added Fairtrade bananas, which give it a gorgeous fruity aroma. It’s something unusual to pour for Father’s Day – and it works a charm paired with spicy dishes too.

4. Estrella Damm Lager

Sometimes a cold lager is all that dad needs and Estrella Damm has immense heritage, brewed in Barcelona since 1876. With every ingredient sourced from within 160km of the brewery, the magic of the Mediterranean is packed into every sip. Crisp, cool and vital, pour dad a cold one and let the good times flow. 

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain