Tommy Barnes was fed up; frustrated by his boring job, loathing the daily commute and to cap it all, failing to make it as a stand-up comedian. But he didn't break; he made himself redundant and took off to France with girlfriend Rose. Shortlisted for the Fortnum & Mason debut drink book

Tommy Barnes called time on a dreary and frustrating experience in Britain to relocate with his family to French wine country in order to brew beer there. The story of the resultant misadventures, difficulties and eventual triumphs is self-deprecating and surreal, with beer recipes featuring throughout.