Whenever the BFI collect old films together for DVDs, the sets they produce are invariably incredible – loving restored and pretty much the last word in any given area. Just check the folk customs collection Here’s A Health to the Barley Mow as an example.

So when the people at the BFI got in touch saying they were putting together a film set celebrating the Great British boozer and did we want to get involved, it was a total no-brainer. And a huge honour. It goes without saying that Roll Out The Barrel is utterly fantastic – an intoxicating collection of celluloid snapshots and a beery, cheery wave to strangers from the ghosts of pubs past. To celebrate the release, we’re hosting a couple of launch events with the folks from the BFI and our friends at Sambrooks Brewery. The first is at Rough Trade East on Weds (6th June); the second is at the Montpelier on June 20th. There will be a selection of films shown from the DVD, beer will be flowing and there will also talks from Charles Murray from the Pub History Society and myself. Both events are free – come down and see what drinking looked like back in the good old days.
(Robin)

Roll Out The Barrel and other BFI dvds can be found in the Caught by the River shop.