Chancellor George Osborne named Beer Drinker of the Year

Osborne who attended the event in London was given the top accolade for his decision to scrap the beer duty escalator and take 1p off beer duty at his last Budget. He was handed the award  by former Chancellor Ken Clarke who was the first recipient of the prize in 1994.

In accepting the award Osborne said: “It is more than the cut in duty for beer. It is also a symbol that Parliament cares about this industry and Parliament cares about people employed in this industry.

"There are 650,000 people employed across the country and another 300,000 employed in the supply chain and agriculture and all the other things that go with supporting the industry.

“On behalf of all the members of parliament here to all the representatives of the industry you can hopefully take what has happened this year as a recognition from all of us that we heard what you were saying and we listened and we have reacted.”

Adnams’ head brewer Fergus Fitzgerald was named Brewer of the Year at the event which was attended by beer and pub industry leaders and MPs of all parties.

APPBG chairman Andrew Griffiths MP was also honoured for his role in the campaign to scrap the beer duty escalator.

Paul Theakston from Black Sheep Brewery was given the lifetime achievement award.

Sophie Atherton was awarded as  "Beer Sommelier of the Year".