Old Hoppers

THCH's annual hop party took an unexpected twist this September when Lettings Officer, and keen real ale enthusiast, Mick O'Rorke, contacted a local micro-brewery about the prospect of turning the hops grown at the Cable Street courtyard garden into ale.

Hopping, the annual trip each September to Kent to pick hops for the beer industry, was a familiar pastime for many East End families. 

So when THCH built Thirza House next to Cable Street and created the courtyard garden, we decided to remember this bygone age by holding an annual hop festival and exhibition. 

We also decided to plant hops to bring some authenticity to the festival.  The hops had originally been planted to grow along the trellis' at the garden and be purely decorative, however, this year saw a bumper crop of hops which lead Mick to wonder whether they could be turned into beer.

Mick contacted East London's only micro-brewery, Brodies, who were happy to check out the hops and discuss with residents how they should be picked and stored in order to be used to create beer.

So in late September, James from Brodies, Mick and a number of residents picked the ripe hops and come December, Brodies were delighted to unveil "Old Hoppers".  Picturing THCH resident, Lola Smith from her childhood days hopping with members of her family, on the cover.

If you would like to know more about Old Hoppers, where it can be purchased and other beers produced by Brodies, please visit their website:~ www.brodiesbeer.com

You can also download a copy of THCH's booklet (slow download) which accompanies the hop festival, which uses images supplied by staff and residents below or contact THCH for a copy. 

If you wish to find out more about the hop festival, please contact our Community Development Team on 020 7780 3070 or email thch@thch.org.uk