Steve James is passionate about beer, pubs and breweries. He is a lifelong member of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) and is a member of the Black Country Society, Brewery History Society, Pub History Society and Friends of Highgate Brewery. He is also a member of the British Guild of Beer Writers, where he has been nominated for awards. He has written many articles on the history of pubs and breweries in the Black Country and wider afield for the Black Country Bugle, the Blackcountryman, local CAMRA magazines and other publications. He also produces bespoke histories for individual pubs and contributes to the historical research of pubs and breweries.