According to the British Beer and Pub Association, there are now more than 1,400 breweries in Britain, opening at a rate of three a week.
Ahead of the Great British Beer Festival, community pubs minister Marcus Jones said: “Today’s figures show Britain is back on the map as a global ‘Brewing Powerhouse’ with three breweries opening up every week.
“We gave the world the IPA and the Great British pint has been revered ever since. This brewing boom means we are not only creating some of the world’s best beer that we all enjoy in our local pub and at home but also thousands of jobs and a multibillion-pound boost to the economy.”
He added: “There is an increasing confidence in the beer and pubs sector with pubs diversifying, community ownership of public houses starting to take off and a booming brewing industry. We are determined to build on this momentum and our strategy of lower taxes, less regulation and a growing economy is the best way to support this thriving and diverse sector.”
Versatile
According to beer sommelier Sophie Atherton, there has never been a better time to be a beer drinker.
“The variety of beers brewed in the UK today is world class and lends itself perfectly to showing off what a versatile a drink beer is. It can be paired with food just as well as wine can and the boom in brewing means there's now a beer for everyone – all the way from a sessionable pint of English bitter or locally produced lager on to hoppy craft brews and boozy barley wines or imperial stouts served at the end of a meal with a cheeseboard."