GUEST POST OVERVIEW: I’ll be honest, I’m torn on the warm beer experience. When Carrie and I were in London a few years ago, our friends took us to a pub and handed us a nice frothy beer…except it was warm!

The American in me was like, “what the hell is this?” But the beer drinker sort of enjoyed it. That’s why I’m fascinated to post this new article by guest writer Amanda about that very subject…

* * * * * * *

Brewing beer the old fashioned wayThe UK has a pretty bad reputation for beer. The old cliché that it’s served warm and that you can only get bitter has been circulating the world for decades, and really it couldn’t be further from the truth!

Recent years have seen a huge rise in the interest of craft beer in the UK, with independent and micro-breweries popping up all over the country. This new brew scene is pushing the boundaries of beer making, introducing innovative methods, cutting edge techniques, and marketing flair to the industry, and making the UK beer scene one of the most exciting in the world.

No matter where you’re traveling in the UK there is sure to be an exciting new brewery nearby which will be happy to welcome you through the doors to let you taste their wares.

* * * * * * *

Hawkshead Brewery

Hawkshead Brewery delivery truck
Hawkshead Brewery delivery truck

Set on the shores of the River Kent in Staveley, Cumbria, the Hawkshead Brewery has been making their mark on the British brewing industry since 2002. Today they brew eight different beers regularly, as well as adding seasonal selections to the list frequently.

Hawkshead have made an effort to offer a full experience when you visit their Lake District factory, with a brewery tour, an onsite restaurant, and a beer hall shop. You might need a few days to give all of their beers a fair sampling, so set yourself up in a cottage in the Lake District and get tasting!

* * * * * * *

Camden Town Brewery

Camden Town Brewery kegs
Camden Town Brewery kegs

Looking for a hipster brewery? Well you’ve found it. Located in one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods the Camden Town Brewery is a firm favorite amongst London’s beer connoisseurs, and is only enhancing its local share hold with the recent opening of their onsite bar. Camden Town pumps out four core brews, Hells Lager, Camden Wheat Beer, Camden Pale Ale, and Camden Ink, as well as limited release beers.

In honor of the London Olympics the current special beer is Camden 1908, a brew reminiscent of those that would have been produced in city during the last London Olympics. It’s only available for the next two weeks though so you better get their sharpish if you want to give it a try!

* * * * * * *

Dark Star Brewing Co.

Mmmm...frothy Dark Star brew
Mmmm…frothy Dark Star brew

The slogan of this West Sussex brewery is simple, ‘We like beer.’ If you also like beer then this is the place to visit and learn about everything that goes into making the perfect craft brew. From the 28-30 September, 2012 the Dark Star Brewing Co. is hosting HopFest, which is, you guessed it, a celebration of hops!

The weekend will feature free tastings, an opportunity to meet the brewer, live music, food, and competitions. You probably need to be a bit of a beer diehard to spend a whole weekend at a festival dedicated to but one beer ingredient, but it’s sure to be a great time in a beautiful part of the UK.

This is just a small selection of the craft breweries that you will find on your tour around the UK. Everyday more and more young, independent brewers are starting up their own enterprises and storming the beer market with original brews that sneer in the face of uptight traditionalists. Rest assured there is no warm bitter to be found here!

Photo Attribution:
Hawkshead Brewery
Camden Town Brewery
Dark Star Brewing Co.

 

About the Author: Amanda is a Canadian writer and blogger who is currently living in, and exploring England. Amanda has spent the last 5 years traveling the world at every opportunity and is now beginning to plan a grand honeymoon adventure with her soon-to-be husband. Round the world honeymoon? Why the heck not!