Why you should go local when choosing beer

Many of us like a trip out to our local pub when we want to treat ourselves. It might be for after-work drinks, to celebrate an achievement, meet family and friends, or to go on a date.

Over the past few years, our taste in beer has changed as we decide to buy more artisan tipples. These are becoming more popular in our pubs, which has led to more microbreweries being formed: there are now more than 2,000 breweries in the UK, the highest number on record since the 1930s.

Some smaller breweries run their own pubs now, too. Here are some reasons why you should buy local beers when you next go to the pub.

You support the local community

A report from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) in 2017 showed how many local breweries are helping the people in their local areas. The report said two-thirds of these employees live within a five-mile radius of the brewery, and one in 10 of these jobs are held by people aged 16 to 24 years old.

Charity work is also high on the list of priorities for local brewers, with 84% of independent craft breweries having supported at least one charity within the past 12 months and 21% supporting more than five charities during the same period.

The report goes on to say that 84% of SIBA’s independent brewing members also see their relationship with their local community as ‘important’ or ‘extremely important’ to their business. Mike Benner, SIBA’s Managing Director, says:

“Britain’s small brewers are now a common feature of communities across Britain and are just as much a part of the local social and economic fabric of the communities they serve as pubs – creating jobs, supporting local charities and providing a place for the community to come together in the brewery tap.”[1] 

You get to have something different

You can have a beer that you can get in a supermarket or pub, and you know what to expect. Yet, have you been missing out on other great beers in the meantime?

Beers from other breweries taste very different: they can be like something you’ve never had before. Once you’ve tried one, you might want to find out what other craft beers are like, either from the same brewery or other independent breweries.

Local brewers use (or own) local pubs

This isn’t a new concept, but there are local breweries that own their own pubs to distribute their products. More than half of beer drinkers like drinking local beer, so the demand is there.

Pubs are also becoming more family-friendly and now offer things to their customers other than alcoholic drinks. Since the ban on under 14s entering pubs was lifted in 1995, many pubs have become more food-focused, with many serving quality meals such as Sunday roasts.

There are places such as theflintgate.co.uk, which is run by Big Smoke Brew Co. in Surrey, that are popular because of their range of local beers but also welcome customers with families looking to enjoy a meal out as well.

So, if you want to explore the range of beers on offer, it may be easier than you thought. And, you will even help your local area by giving them your business too.