What is this ('05 GBBF)?

[MeridianFC]

http://www.camra.org.uk/SHWebClass.ASP?WCI=ShowDoc&DocID=5273

In photos #2 & #4. I've never seen a venting set up like that, though I'm certainly not an expert on cellaring. Anyone with cellaring experience know what exactly the tubing is doing? Breather system (doesn't look like and seems unlikely at a CAMRA event)?

Photo #1 here warms my hears (and fuels my jealousy):

http://www.camra.org.uk/SHWebClass.ASP?WCI=ShowDoc&DocID=5275

[chazwicke]

If your gonna be there next year then so will I. Anyone else want to go? I know what you mean about photo #1 on that 2nd link.

[Richard English]

My guess is that this is simply a breather system, nothing more sinister. It would be difficult to use conventional spiles since the casks are all shrouded in cooling jackets (photo number 3 shows this clearly) which are needed because the temperature in Olympia is rather too warm for ale storage. A pub would usually have a cellar, of course.

Remember, too, that there are around 400 casks arrayed in serried rows, two levels high, and it's better not to have to clamber up to look at spiles every so often. Photo gallery 2, pictures number 1 and 3 gives you some idea of the setup. Picture number 2 shows a couple of typical English Real Ale drinkers.