Author Archives: Andy Hamilton

About Andy Hamilton

The other Andy Hamilton is a writer and broadcaster not to be confused with the other more successful Andy Hamilton who is a writer and broadcaster. Author of the best selling “Booze for Free” a book about making your own booze, co-Author of The Selfsufficientish Bible a book about living more softly on the planet and a freelance writer contributing to many UK publications such as The Guardian, The Ecologist, Home Farmer and Ethical Consumer. He is also known as the BBC Autumnwatch Forager and make frequent appearances on UK and European TV. He doesn’t appear on panel shows and doesn’t have a black beard. This Andy Hamilton did not write Outnumbered or Old Harry’s Game nor has he ever played in a Jazz band or played Darts. Google Plus

Dandelion Champagne

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

This recipe and 100 others can be found in Booze for free available in the UK and USA. Although elderflower champagne is a than this cherrished favourite drink during the summer months there are other drinks out there that in … Continue reading →

Posted in Booze, Booze for Free recipes | Leave a comment

Cooking with Japanese Knotweed

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica is a plant that can divide forages from everyone else. Many foragers and love the stuff whilst everyone else dread seeing it and especially on their land. Why, you may well ask. Well it is because it is … Continue reading →

Posted in foraging, Selfsufficientish.com | Tagged , | 15 Comments

Made with British Hops

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

UK Hops The buzz in the brewing world at the moment is about New World hops, drinkers and therefore brewers are demanding more and more exotic flavour in their beers. The British hop once grown across thousands of acres is … Continue reading →

Posted in Brewing Britain | Leave a comment

Miracle hangover cures – A bitter pill to swallow

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

Along with finding a cure for the common cold the rush to find a cure for hangovers has been a time honoured battle. The Ancient Greeks wolfed down fried sheep’s lungs, the Romans with drank more wine along with lashings … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Wild Garlic

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

From early March in the south of England and mid to late March in Scotland wild garlic, Allium ursinum a relative of chives, onions and normal garlic can be seen growing. In sheltered spots you may see it hanging on … Continue reading →

Posted in foraging, recipes | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Independent Spirit of Bath – Off licence

Posted on March 15, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

There is something about standing in amongst a load of booze that makes me feel at home.  It  possibly has something to do with the fact that my home is always full of booze, but I’ve always loved a good … Continue reading →

Posted in Beer tasting reviews, Booze | Tagged , | 1 Comment

UK Homebrew Shops – Brewing Britain

Posted on February 23, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

Directory – UK Homebrew Equipment suppliers I thought it might be helpful to post this list of all the UK homebrew shops that I am aware of. This is the list that first appeared in the back of Booze for … Continue reading →

Posted in Brewing Britain | Tagged , | 4 Comments

Totterdown Writers a Bristol Based Writing Group

Posted on January 18, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

Now that I’m working on a third book and have been making my living from my words since 2004, I thought it about time I endowed my great pearls of wisdom on the world. Or at least I decided that … Continue reading →

Posted in courses, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

Beer and babies a match made in heaven?

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Andy Hamilton

Of course I’m also not that I’m suggesting your next bit of family time for the over 5′s involves pepper pig drinking games or that you call your next brew a child friendly Iggle Piggle pale ale to consume only “in the beer garden”. No, I’m simply suggesting that there are some transferable skills that the good brewer will develop. Continue reading →

Posted in Brewing Britain, Comment, Drinking/home brewing | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Natural hangover cures

Posted on December 11, 2012 by Andy Hamilton

My book, Booze for free is now the estimated cause of over one million hangovers*. So, to pay back my karmic debt I thought it time I shared how I deal with my monumentous hangovers, naturally. The best natural hangover … Continue reading →

Posted in Brewing Britain, Drinking/home brewing | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments