The Chequers Bath

Food & drink

8 November 2025

Top Christmas Recipes for Christmas dinner

‍ Christmas dinner isn’t just about turkey or ham, it’s also about the side dishes or desserts too! Luckily, Christmas is a great time to pull out your baking and dessert making tendencies, as you’ll be swamped with friends and family over the festive period. So whether you’re looking for a quick and easy Christmas
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Exploring the Best of UK Dining Together

18 October 2025 in Food & drink

This year, my partner and I have made it our mission to try as many new places to eat as we can. It’s turned into a little adventure for the two of us, mixing weekends away with evenings closer to home, and we’ve discovered...

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Introduction to a Plant-Based Diet

2 April 2025 in Food & drink

Lately, Georgina and I have been mixing more plant-based meals into our routine, and honestly, it’s been a bit of an eye-opener. It started out because of Georgina’s bile acid malabsorption. We noticed that some animal-based products were triggering cramps and discomfort, so we...

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My First Vegan Cheese Board with Violife

29 March 2025 in Food & drink

As somebody whose favourite foods lean heavily into meat and dairy, I have always been a bit wary of vegan cheese. All of the things I love about cheese – the smoothness, the creaminess and, dare I say it, the cheesiness! – are things...

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Cheers to Sobriety: Discover the Best Non-Alcoholic Beers on the Market

Cheers to Sobriety: Discover the Best Non-Alcoholic Beers on the Market

12 August 2023 in Food & drink

Introduction: Why Choose Non-Alcoholic Beer? Imagine yourself at a social gathering, surrounded by friends and family enjoying a cold beer. You want to join in, but for whatever reason, you’ve decided to cut back on alcohol or eliminate it from your life altogether. Does...

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Craft beer has taken the world by storm, and with it, the popularity of IPAs has soared. Local breweries are now offering a wide range of IPAs to suit every taste bud, from the classic bitter and hoppy variants to the more experimental fruity and juicy ones. If you're a beginner looking to explore the world of IPAs, then this guide is for you. In this article, we will take you through everything you need to know about IPAs and local breweries, from the history and characteristics of IPA beer to the different types, how to taste and evaluate them, and popular local breweries that offer IPAs. So, grab a pint and let's get started. What is an IPA? IPA stands for India Pale Ale, a type of beer that originated in England in the 18th century. It was created by British brewers who were looking for a way to preserve beer on its long journey to India. They found that by adding more hops to the beer, it became more bitter and had a longer shelf life. The first IPAs were brewed with a higher alcohol content, more hops, and a pale malt, giving them a distinct taste and aroma. Today, IPAs have evolved and come in a variety of styles, but they all share the common trait of being hop-forward beers. The history of IPAs The history of IPAs is fascinating and dates back to the 1700s. British brewers were exporting beer to India, but the journey was long and often resulted in spoiled beer. To combat this, they began adding more hops to the beer, which acted as a natural preservative. This resulted in a beer that was more bitter and had a longer shelf life. The first recorded use of the term "India Pale Ale" was in an advertisement in the Liverpool Mercury newspaper in 1835. Over time, IPAs became more popular in England, and eventually made their way to the United States, where they gained a loyal following. Characteristics of IPA beer IPA beer is known for its hoppy bitterness and floral aroma. It is brewed with a higher alcohol content than other beers, ranging from 5% to 10%. The bitterness of an IPA comes from the hops, which are added during the brewing process. Hops also give the beer its distinctive aroma. IPAs can be further distinguished by their color, which ranges from pale yellow to deep amber, and their level of carbonation. Some IPAs are highly carbonated, while others are less so. Types of IPAs IPAs come in many different styles, each with its own unique flavor profile. Here are some of the most popular types of IPAs: American IPA: This is the most popular style of IPA in the United States. It is characterized by its high hop content and bitter taste. American IPAs often have a citrusy or piney flavor, and can range in color from pale yellow to amber. New England IPA: Also known as a Hazy IPA, this style is characterized by its cloudy appearance and juicy flavor. New England IPAs are brewed with a low bitterness, and are often fruity and tropical in taste. Double IPA: Also known as a Imperial IPA, this style is brewed with a higher alcohol content and more hops than a traditional IPA. Double IPAs are often more bitter and have a stronger hop flavor than other IPAs. Belgian IPA: This style is a blend of Belgian and American brewing styles. Belgian IPAs are brewed with Belgian yeast, which gives them a spicy and fruity flavor, and American hops, which contribute to their bitterness. Understanding the IBU scale IBU stands for International Bittering Units, and is a measure of the bitterness of a beer. The IBU scale ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 being the least bitter and 100 being the most bitter. IPAs typically have an IBU range of 40 to 100, with American IPAs having the highest IBU content. When tasting an IPA, the bitterness can be felt on the back of the tongue, and the higher the IBU, the more bitter the beer will taste. How to taste and evaluate IPAs Tasting an IPA is all about appreciating the different flavors and aromas that make up the beer. Here are some steps to follow when tasting an IPA: Look: Observe the color and clarity of the beer. IPAs can vary in color from pale yellow to deep amber, and some may be cloudy or hazy. Smell: Take a deep breath and smell the beer. IPAs are known for their floral aroma, which comes from the hops. Taste: Take a sip and let the beer roll over your tongue. Notice the bitterness and hop flavor, as well as any other flavors that may be present. Evaluate: Think about the overall taste and aroma of the beer. Was it too bitter or too sweet? Did you enjoy the flavor? Popular local breweries that offer IPAs Local breweries are a great place to try different types of IPAs. Here are some popular local breweries that offer IPAs: Stone Brewing: Stone Brewing is a brewery based in San Diego, California, that is known for its hoppy IPAs. Their popular Stone IPA has an IBU of 71 and a citrusy flavor. Dogfish Head Brewery: Dogfish Head Brewery is based in Delaware and is known for its unique beer styles. Their 60 Minute IPA is a classic American IPA with an IBU of 60 and a hoppy taste. Bell's Brewery: Bell's Brewery is based in Michigan and is known for its Two Hearted Ale, a popular American IPA with an IBU of 55 and a piney flavor. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company: Sierra Nevada Brewing Company is based in California and is known for its Pale Ale and Torpedo IPA. Their Torpedo IPA has an IBU of 65 and a hoppy, floral taste. Planning your brewery tour If you're interested in trying different types of IPAs, a brewery tour is a great way to do it. Here are some tips for planning your brewery tour: Research: Look up local breweries in your area and read reviews to find out which ones offer IPAs. Make a plan: Decide which breweries you want to visit and plan out your route. Consider factors like distance and transportation. Pace yourself: Don't try to visit too many breweries in one day. Give yourself plenty of time to enjoy each brewery and the beers they offer. Bring a designated driver: If you plan on drinking, make sure you have a designated driver or arrange for transportation. Tips for beginners trying IPAs for the first time If you're a beginner trying IPAs for the first time, it can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your first IPA: Start with a lower IBU: Look for IPAs with a lower IBU to start with. American IPAs often have a high IBU, so try a Belgian or New England IPA instead. Pair with food: IPAs pair well with spicy foods and strong cheeses. Try pairing your IPA with a spicy dish or a cheese plate. Take your time: Sip your IPA slowly and take time to appreciate the flavors and aromas. Try different styles: Don't be afraid to try different styles of IPAs to find out what you like. Conclusion IPAs are a popular type of beer that offer a range of flavors and aromas. Local breweries are a great place to try different types of IPAs and experience the craft beer scene. By understanding the history and characteristics of IPAs, the different types, and how to taste and evaluate them, you can become an IPA aficionado in no time. So, grab a pint and start exploring the world of IPAs today. Cheers to exploring the world of IPAs and supporting local breweries!

Sip Your Way Through Local Breweries: A Beginner’s Guide to IPAs

12 July 2023 in Food & drink

Introduction to IPAs and local breweries Welcome to the exciting world of India Pale Ales (IPAs)! If you’re new to the beer scene or simply looking to expand your palate, this beginner’s guide will help you navigate the vast landscape of IPAs and local...

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Discover the Best of Local Breweries: Top 5 Must-Try Craft Beers in Your Area!

Discover the Best of Local Breweries: Top 5 Must-Try Craft Beers in Your Area!

12 June 2023 in Food & drink

Introduction to Local Breweries Local breweries are the hidden gems of the beer world, offering unique and diverse flavors that you won’t find in mainstream, mass-produced beers. These small-scale establishments are often founded by passionate beer enthusiasts who have honed their craft to create...

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The Power of Impact Foods: How Your Food Choices Can Help Save the Planet

The Power of Impact Foods: How Your Food Choices Can Help Save the Planet

27 May 2023 in Food & drink

Food is a basic human need that sustains life, but it is also one of the biggest contributors to climate change. As the world population continues to grow, the demand for food increases, and so does the impact on the planet. But it doesn’t...

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Wine and Food Pairings

Wine and Food Pairings

20 February 2022 in Food & drink

Most people like to throw supper events for their friends and family. However, they may avoid offering a glass of wine because they do not understand wine and food pairings. Do you serve white or red with fish? Will Red wine be alright if...

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6 Different Coffee Recipes

26 September 2021 in Food & drink

Below you can see 6 of the best recipes to enjoy your coffee a different way. We hope you enjoy it. Irish Coffee 1 teaspoon of sugar 1 jigger of Bushmills Irish Whiskey 2/3 cup of coffee or flavoured Irish Creme coffee 1/4 cup...

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