A Polish Pirouette: Meet Maypole – Hobsons' May Monthly Special

A Polish Pirouette: Meet Maypole – Hobsons' May Monthly Special

This May, we’re not just spinning ribbons—we’re celebrating international friendship, bright flavours, and brilliant beer. Say hello to Maypole, our limited-edition monthly special cask beer, brewed with a trio of distinctive Polish hops and inspired by our ongoing collaboration with Browar Błonie, a modern Polish brewery we’re proud to partner with.

At 4.3%, this pale-gold pint is floral, fruity, and brewed for long, sunny pub sessions. But there’s more to this beer than just springtime sipping.

A Beer Born From Collaboration

Our connection with Browar Błonie is more than just hops and handshakes. They’ve featured proudly on our Maypole pump clip in the past, and as our partnership continues to grow, it felt only right to shine the spotlight on their homeland’s brewing brilliance. This isn’t just a nod to Polish hops—it’s a celebration of the people who grow and brew with them.

What’s in the Pint?

Maypole is a 4.3% golden ale brewed exclusively for cask, with a beautifully subtle bitterness that lets the hop character shine.

• Marynka brings soft spice and floral notes

• Junga adds zesty citrus and hints of red fruit

• A touch of Lubelski rounds it off with gentle grassiness and herbal depth

On the nose? Expect blackcurrant, grapefruit, and a twist of spice. On the palate? A delicate dance of citrus peel and cranberry, balanced and breezy.

Why Polish Hops?

As the beer industry evolves, so too does the brewer’s toolkit. We’re seeing an exciting shift in cask beer—where tradition meets experimentation—and Polish hops like Marynka and Junga are stepping into the limelight.

These hops deliver character without overpowering bitterness, making them perfect for the gentle conditioning of real ale. With Browar Błonie’s heritage in mind, we wanted to showcase these beautiful hops the way we know best: in a lovingly brewed seasonal special that lets them shine.

Pair Maypole at our first Friday in May- Senor Tigre!

Grilled Tortilla “Bowl”
• Mexican Rice brings gentle warmth and a touch of smokiness that echoes Lubelski’s soft herbal backbone.
• Grilled Halloumi adds a salty, squeaky contrast that makes Maypole’s pale-gold crispness shine all the brighter.
• Mango Salsa mirrors those bright citrus and red-fruit notes from Junga and Marynka—think juicy mango chunks with lime, coriander and a hint of chilli.
• Sweet Chilli Mayo layers in a sweet-heat finish that plays off Lubelski’s subtle spice and soft florals.
• Creamy Guacamole cools everything down, creating a silky counterpoint to the beer’s gentle bitterness.

Why It Works:
The sweet-spicy combo of mango salsa and chilli mayo lifts the beer’s citrus-red-fruit character, while the halloumi’s saltiness and guac’s creaminess balance its low bitterness—every mouthful is like twirling ‘round the Maypole in spring sunshine.