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What to eat & drink in the United Kingdom? Top 26 British Beers (Styles and Brands)

Last update: Thu Jan 30 2025
Top 26 British Beers (Styles and Brands)
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best British Beer Types

01

Ale

LONDON, England
4.1
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Imperial stout is a strong and opaque dark beer that was first brewed in London, but which is mostly associated with Russia, Baltic countries, and recently with the United States. Modern imperial stouts will typically range from deep red to dark brown.


They are full-bodied, rich, complex, and intense with typical flavors of roasted malt, dark and dried fruit, chocolate, and coffee. Most varieties will be high in alcohol, typically between 8 to 12% ABV, and they will mostly be high in hops and bitter hop flavors. 
02

Ale

SCOTLAND
4.0
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Scotch ale is a beer style distinguished for its malty character and rich caramel flavors. These big, bold, and full-bodied beers are typically light copper to dark-brown and mostly have a high alcohol content, usually falling between 6 to 10% ABV range.


Their aromas and flavors are dominated by rich malty expressions and caramel-like qualities, along with typical notes of molasses, dried fruit, and plums. They often have some malty sweetness on the palate, while the hop aroma and flavor are low or absent. 
03
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Sweet stout is a beer style that is usually brewed with the addition of milk sugar (lactose). It is also known as cream or milk stout, and it emerged in England sometime in the early 1900s. Sweet stouts are dark and full-bodied beers that have grainy malt flavors and aromas, often with hints of coffee and chocolate.


They are smooth and creamy, with medium hop bitterness, while their malty character is well-balanced with medium to high sweetness. Sweet stouts are an ideal pairing with chocolate desserts, but they can also work well with creamy cheese varieties, spicy dishes, game, and rich sauces. 
04

Ale

ENGLAND
3.9
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Stouts are top-fermented beers that are typically dark and have distinctive roasted flavors. Their introduction is closely connected to British porter—a style that was developed in London sometime in the 18th century. Stout evolved from the desire to create a fuller and stronger porter, though this distinction is no longer present.


Typical stout will have aromas of roasted barley and roasted malt reminiscent of coffee, chocolate, or cocoa. Traditional dry stouts range from black to deep brown and are usually medium-light to medium-full in body, smooth, creamy, and silky. They typically have little hop character and a long dry finish. 
05
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This sub-style of the classic stout is brewed with the addition of oatmeal. The style first became popular in England, sometime in the late 19th century. The beers falling in this category are typically dark and smooth, with a roasted malt character and aromas that are reminiscent of coffee.


The addition of oatmeal will usually provide subtle sweetness and sometimes earthy, grainy, and nutty flavor. Hop bitterness can vary, but it is usually low to moderate. Oatmeal stouts pair well with roasted meat, rich and spicy sauces, clams, oysters, and chocolate, caramel, or fruit desserts.

06

Ale

ENGLAND
3.9
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Porter is a beer style that was created in London sometime in the 18th century, but well-balanced and aromatic modern varieties do not share many similarities to the original version. Roughly defined, porter is a versatile dark ale made from dark malted barley and a hefty amount of hops.


This versatile style is usually characterized by roasted, malty flavors and medium hop bitterness. Nowadays, most porter styles are classified as brown, robust, and Baltic. It is believed that this style first appeared in London alehouses that used to store three types of beer: aged, fresh, and strong, which would then be mixed in various blends. 
VARIATIONS OF Porter
07
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Contrary to its name, barley wine is a beer style that is best known for its dominant malty character. It is a type of extra-strong ale that has originated in England, but it is now produced worldwide. Although the name first came into use in 1903 with the introduction of No.1 Burton Ale by Bass Brewing, the style existed well before that, but it probably appeared under different names.


As a style, barley wine is sometimes difficult to describe as it is incredibly versatile and often overlaps with other types. It is one of the strongest beer styles, with an alcohol content that usually falls between 7 to 12% ABV. British barley wine has a somewhat sherry-like and malty-sweet character with moderate hop bitterness and toffee and dried fruit aroma and flavors. 
08

Ale

UNITED KINGDOM
3.8
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Cask ale, also known as real ale, is a traditional type of beer made with natural ingredients and served directly from the vessel in which it was fermented. It is allowed to mature naturally, and it does not include any injections of additional carbon dioxide.


Cask Ale is not filtered or pasteurized and is still active on the yeast. The result is a unique brew that cannot be artificially recreated. Most examples of cask ale will be soft, round, and gently carbonated, with a more complex aroma and flavor than factory-produced brews. 
09
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English pale ale is an incredibly versatile beer style that first originated when breweries started to use pale barley malt, which resulted in brews that were lighter than standard varieties at the time. Its place of origin is mainly associated with Burton-on-Trent, and its invention largely coincided with the development of Indian pale ales.


Through history, this intricate style was known under various names such as sparkling ale, dinner ale, or bitter ale. Nowadays, this style is typically gold to bronze in color, and it can range from 4.5%–5.5% ABV. 
10
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India pale ale is one of the most intriguing beer styles whose origin is still widely disputed, but it is believed that it first appeared out of necessity to transport pale ale brews to distant British colonies—namely India—because the climate in the colonies was too hot to brew beer.


It is believed that IPA was created by increasing alcohol levels and adding more hops—which would help preserve the beer on longer voyages. Although the first reference of the name India pale ale dates back to 1830s, it is assumed that the style appeared much earlier. 
11
12
13
Ale
UNITED KINGDOM
3.6
14
Ale
UNITED KINGDOM
3.6
15
16
Ale
ENGLAND
3.5
17
18
19
20
Ale
ENGLAND
3.4
21
Mead
UNITED KINGDOM
3.3
22
Ale
KENT, England
3.3
23
24
Ale
UNITED KINGDOM
3.0
25
26
Ale
RUTLAND, England
n/a
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best British Beer Producers

01
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The Innis & Gunn Brewing Company was founded in 2003 by Master Brewer Dougal Sharp. The brewery is known for its unique beer maturation process, which involves aging the beer in whisky barrels. It initially gained popularity with its Original Oak Aged Beer.


The company produces a range of beers, including IPAs, lagers, and stouts. Innis & Gunn has won multiple awards for its innovative brewing techniques.
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2023, 2022, 2021

02

Beer

MELTON MOWBRAY, England
5.0
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Round Corner Brewing is a craft brewery located in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England. Known for producing a wide variety of high-quality beers, Round Corner Brewing is committed to blending traditional brewing techniques with modern innovation.


The brewery prides itself on crafting beers that are full of flavor, while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and the local community.
AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2024, 2021, 2019

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Lager up to 5%

2023

03

Beer

WADEBRIDGE, England
5.0
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Sharp's Brewery is a British brewery known for producing a variety of beers, most notably its flagship beer, Doom Bar, which has become one of the most popular beers in the UK. The brewery was founded in 1994 in Rock, Cornwall, and has since become a significant player in the British beer scene.


Sharp's Brewery focuses on producing high-quality beers, using the finest ingredients, including malted barley and hops sourced from British farms. The brewery is known for its innovative approach to brewing while still adhering to traditional methods.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2021, 2020

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2021

BEST Sharp's Brewery
04

Beer

GREAT ALNE, England
5.0
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Purity Brewing Company is a well-established craft brewery based in the heart of the English countryside in Alcester, Warwickshire, England. Founded in 2005, Purity Brewing Company has quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, distinctive beers with a strong focus on sustainability and traditional brewing methods.
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2019

International Beer Challenge - Best Ale up to 5%

2022

BEST Purity Brewing Company
05

Beer

PRESTON, England
5.0
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AWARDS

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2023, 2021

BEST Hopworks Urban Brewery
06

Beer

ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
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AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Flavoured Beer

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Speciality Beer

2023

07

Beer

BAKEWELL, England
5.0
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AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Lager up to 5%

2022

08

Beer

NORFOLK, England
5.0
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AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023, 2022

BEST COVA Brewing Co.
09

Beer

BLACKBURN, England
5.0
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AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2019, 2017

BEST Daniel Thwaites plc
10

Beer

NOTTINGHAM, England
5.0
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AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

BEST Blue Monkey Brewery
11
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
12
13
14
15
Beer
WHITBY, United Kingdom
5.0
16
Beer
HIGHLAND, Scotland
5.0
17
Beer
WINCHESTER, England
5.0
18
19
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
20
Beer
BROOMFIELD, England
5.0
21
Beer
CROMARTY, Scotland
5.0
22
23
24
Beer
BEDFORD, England
5.0
25
26
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
27
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
28
Beer
SCOTLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
29
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
30
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
31
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
32
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
33
Beer
FAVERSHAM, England
5.0
34
35
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
36
37
Beer
RIPON, United Kingdom
5.0
38
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
39
Beer
EDINBURGH, Scotland
5.0
40
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
41
Beer
ALCESTER, England
5.0
42
Beer
BROADSTAIRS, England
5.0
43
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
44
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
45
Beer
BATH, England
5.0
46
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
47
Beer
JERSEY, United Kingdom
5.0
48
Beer
BLANDFORD FORUM, England
5.0
49
Beer
STOCKPORT, England
5.0
50
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
51
Beer
FAVERSHAM, England
5.0
52
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
53
Beer
BOLTON, England
5.0
54
Beer
CHELTENHAM, England
5.0
55
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
56
Beer
LEEDS, United Kingdom
5.0
57
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
58
Beer
LEEDS, United Kingdom
5.0
59
Beer
GUN HILL, England
5.0
60
Beer
HASSOCKS, England
5.0
61
62
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
63
Beer
BEDFORD, England
5.0
64
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
65
66
Beer
DURHAM, England
5.0
67
Beer
DURHAM, England
5.0
68
Beer
MACCLESFIELD, England
5.0
69
70
Beer
MARLBOROUGH COMMON, England
4.9
71
Beer
CALDICOT, United Kingdom
4.9
72
Beer
ISLE OF WHITHORN, Scotland
4.9
73
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
4.9
74
Beer
CRAGG VALE, United Kingdom
4.9
75
Beer
LEEDS, United Kingdom
4.8
76
Beer
BISHOP'S CASTLE, England
4.8
77
Beer
SUCKLEY, England
4.7
78
Beer
DUNDEE, Scotland
4.7
79
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
80
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
4.7
81
Beer
RANDALSTOWN, Northern Ireland
4.7
82
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
83
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
84
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
85
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
86
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
4.7
87
88
89
Beer
CIRENCESTER, England
4.7
90
Beer
BLANDFORD FORUM, England
4.7
91
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
4.7
92
93
Beer
EYTON, United Kingdom
4.7
94
Beer
LLANDYSUL, United Kingdom
4.7
95
Beer
BISHOP AUCKLAND, England
4.7
96
97
Beer
BIRMINGHAM, England
4.7
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best British Beers (Styles and Brands)

01

Beer

WADEBRIDGE, England
5.0
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Atlantic is a modern pale ale brewed to feature the best attributes of our ingredients. Succulence from two types of malt, tropical and citrus fruits from new world hops.
AWARDS

European Beer Star - Gold

2021, 2020

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2021

02
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AWARDS

Great American Beer Festival - Gold

2023, 2021

03
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AWARDS

World Beer Cup - Gold

2023, 2022

04
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Session IPA by Purity Brewing Company is a popular beer within the brewery's range, crafted to offer the bold, hoppy flavors of an IPA while being lighter in alcohol, making it easy to drink in a "session" (a prolonged drinking period).
AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

International Beer Challenge - Best Flavoured Beer

2020

05
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Gunmetal pours black in colour with deep garnet highlights. The aroma is balanced between subtle toasted and light roasted malt and herbal and floral hops. Smooth with a dry finish, makes Gunmetal a sublimely drinkable lager.
AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2019

International Beer Challenge - Best Lager up to 5%

2023

06
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AWARDS

International Brewing Awards - Gold

2019, 2017

07
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AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

08
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AWARDS

World Beer Awards - Gold

2023

World Beer Awards - Country Winner

2023

09

Beer

ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
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AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2023

10
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AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2023

11
12
13
Beer
LEEDS, United Kingdom
5.0
14
Beer
LONDON, United Kingdom
5.0
15
16
17
18
Beer
BISHOP'S CASTLE, England
5.0
19
20
21
22
23
24
Beer
WINCHESTER, England
5.0
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
47
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
Beer
BLANDFORD FORUM, England
5.0
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
Beer
ENGLAND, United Kingdom
5.0
86
Beer
LEEDS, United Kingdom
5.0
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
Beer
CRAGG VALE, United Kingdom
5.0
98
99
100

TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. For the “Top 26 British Beers (Styles and Brands)” list until January 30, 2025, 1,145 ratings were recorded, of which 1,039 were recognized by the system as legitimate. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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British Beers (Styles and Brands)