Sophie Atherton was the first woman in the UK to be accredited as a Beer Sommelier – back in 2012. Her work as a beer sommelier has been recognised by the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, who made her their Beer Sommelier of the Year 2013, and she also holds two British Guild of Beer Writers Silver Awards for her writing in national publications. A freelance journalist, she has 25 years experience in newspapers, radio, television and PR, and has written about beer (and more) for the likes of The Daily Telegraph, Brewer & Distiller International and The Morning Advertiser - to name just a few publications. In addition to writing she also undertakes speaking and broadcasting gigs and provides training, consultancy and PR services to brewers, publicans and the wider beer industry.