Phil Beer’s return to Folk at The Froize was nothing short of spectacular, drawing a full house of eager fans who were thrilled to see him back in his element. With every seat taken, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and from the very first note of Seven Gypsies, it was clear the evening would be one to remember.

Phil had the audience enthralled, weaving together an impeccable selection of songs with his signature warmth and humour. Rosie and They Always Wanted More followed, keeping the energy high, while The Thirteen Question Method, penned by Chuck Berry, was a real standout—an irresistible blend of folk and blues that had the crowd captivated. The set also featured Weathercock, Acadian Driftwood, and a moving rendition of The Crow on the Cradle. A particularly nostalgic moment came when Phil performed Blow the Man Down, recalling childhood memories of singing the song in his grandmother’s parlour, prompting an emotional and enthusiastic audience singalong. He also paid tribute to the folk tradition with The Blind Fiddler, a song associated with Cecil Sharp’s work in preserving folk music for schools. The evening closed with Ain’t Nobody’s Business, a fittingly powerful ending that left the audience wanting more.

Seamlessly switching between instruments, Phil showcased his mastery of guitar, mandolin, and his new tenor guitar, each adding a unique texture to his performance. Between songs, he shared stories of the legendary musicians and songwriters who had shaped his journey, painting vivid pictures of the experiences that had influenced his distinctive style. His rich, warming voice filled the room, bringing every lyric to life.

As always, the food at The Froize was an experience in itself. A mouthwatering selection of dishes was on offer, including steak and pigeon casserole, chicken, rabbit and leeks, green lentil and coconut curry, sweet and sour pork, and katsu chicken. The desserts were equally divine, with the legendary sherry trifle and indulgent Biscoff cheesecake rounding off the evening perfectly.

This performance marked the penultimate Folk at The Froize before David Grimwood takes a well-earned break to reimagine the future of the series. With just one more event left before the pause—Salt House on Sunday, 16th March 2025—the night felt particularly special, a celebration of both Phil Beer’s enduring talent and the legacy of Folk at The Froize itself. 

A truly magical evening of music, stories, and song – Oh! and Froize food!