Toast the tour with the best in coffee, beer and whisky

There are so many events that have been organised to complement and celebrate the visit of “Le Tour” to York that it’s hard to spot the gems from the mundane.

One event that I would go so far as to say should be unmissable for fans of superlative beer, coffee and whisky is happening this coming Saturday and is appositely called Le Tour De Force.

I bet you didn’t realise that York is a beacon city for all three of these beverages.

Granted you may have picked up on the fact that it’s got one of the best pub and real ale scenes in the UK, but did you know that it’s home to some of the top baristas in the UK.

It’s one of these, Gordon Howell, who’s Harlequin Coffee House in Kings Square is hosting this gustatory extravaganza.

Gordon is no stranger to winning combinations – not content with taking the coveted best espresso in the UK award in the British Championships, he went one better and his Irish coffee was voted the best in the world at the World Championships in Nice in 2013.

Little wonder that internationally renowned experts The Whisky Lounge, again based in York, have chosen this venue to host a tasting that will assemble a trio of drinks missionaries.

They will be showcasing the dynamic attributes of their specialist fields and lining up some of the best beans, brews and drams in their arsenals.

The line up

Steve Leighton from Has Bean Coffee and Harelquin.
Steve is a speciality coffee roaster. His pioneering work to ethically source his beans from places as diverse as El Salvador, Guatemala and Costa Rica is the reason Britain has access to some of the world’s finest coffees.

Yan Pilkington from the Pivovar Group.
Yan uses his authoritative knowledge of beer and his huge network of contacts to source premium beers from all over the world into some of the UK’s best craft beer venues.

Eddie Ludlow from The Whisky Lounge.
Eddie (pictured) describes himself as a “Whisky Evangelist”. He’s a much sought after industry consultant and as well as organising many successful Whisky tastings per year is a judge for the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition.

For just £20 you will be tasting four examples each of the best whiskies, beers and coffees that these three guys that lay their hands on. I’d say that apart from being tremendous value for money you’ll come away knowing a lot more than you ever thought possible.

Now do you see what I mean about York being a beacon city!