Beer taster wanted for 'best job in the world'

The voluntary post, which requires the holder to sample beers from London pubs to "test for quality", has been resurrected by Spitalfields Market, which was set up in 1683. In centuries gone by the job of ale taster was considered an important health and safety check on alcohol being sold in the area. Now the boss of the Wellington Market Company, which manages the market, has invited applications for the job.

Malcolm Ball, the company head, said the successful candidate would be required to taste a range of beverages in pubs in the area and report on their quality. He said: "Although the attraction of the role may seem obvious at first, the 21st century version would incorporate many more responsibilities than the original.

"Our ale taster would become an ambassador for food and drink in the area."

He said the winning candidate would have to demonstrate a "sound knowledge of local, regional, national and international beers", and that "he or she must be passionate about the subject".

He added: "It must be stated that although the role is voluntary, it obviously carries benefits."

Applications for the job must be in by Sunday, May 23 and successful candidates will have to take part in a blind tasting contest before the winner is chosen. 


/Telegraph.co.uk/