The annual City of Ale festival in Norwich has returned for its 13th edition, placing a spotlight on one of Norfolk’s most celebrated agricultural exports—Maris Otter malting barley—on the occasion of its 60th anniversary.
The month-long celebration, which commenced with a launch event at The Waterfront on King Street, is showcasing 60 locally brewed beers crafted with Maris Otter malt. This initiative pays homage to the barley variety renowned for its distinct flavour and pivotal role in British brewing history.
Among the featured brews is Throwing Stars, a newly developed charity beer from Alburgh-based Grain Brewery. Proceeds from the beer will benefit Star Throwers, a cancer support charity based in Wymondham.
City of Ale co-founder and co-chairman Philip Cutter, landlord of the Murderers Pub in Norwich, emphasized the county’s deep connection to Maris Otter. “2025 sees the 60th anniversary of Maris Otter malt,” he said. “Grown predominantly in the fields of Norfolk, the county’s brewers have been celebrating this milestone by crafting some new brews using this magnificent malt. Thanks must go to all our fantastic Norfolk brewers who have crafted new ales that will appear throughout this year’s festival.”
Developed in the 1960s, Maris Otter has long been favored by brewers for its distinctive profile—offering notes of sweet biscuit, toffee, and light nuttiness. While demand waned in the late 1980s as larger brewers shifted to higher-yield, cost-effective alternatives, Maris Otter retained a loyal following among traditional real ale producers.
That loyalty led to its preservation in the early 1990s, when Norfolk grain merchant Tony Banham and Hampshire’s Robin Appel secured the rights to trade the variety. By 2000, with support from Crisp Malting Group and committed brewers, they acquired full ownership of the variety.
Today, Tony Banham’s legacy continues through his son, Mark Banham, who manages the family firm H Banham in Hempton, near Fakenham.
“One of the significances of Maris Otter to the City of Ale is that a large proportion of it is grown in the fields of Norfolk,” said Mark Banham. “This county produces some of the best malting barley in the UK, and probably the world—something we should be proud of. The City of Ale brewers produce great beer with the best malt to be served in some great pubs.”
Despite the evolution of brewing trends and the introduction of numerous barley varieties over the past six decades, Maris Otter remains a mainstay of British brewing—a testament to its enduring quality and appeal.
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