United Kingdom – Britain back on the map as brewing powerhouse

A surge during the past two years has seen microbreweries opening up at rate of three every week. Figures from the British Beer and Pub Association show there are more than 1,400 breweries in the country.

Even though microbreweries may be on the rise, the demise of the pub continues. Twenty-nine pubs close each week across the UK, according to the Campaign for Real Ale.

These days there are about 53,000 pubs, down from about 67,000 in 1982. In the first six months this year alone the UK lost 750 pubs, compared with 145 openings.

Observers say pub numbers have been falling since 2007 following the introduction of the ban on smoking, the rise of home entertainment and cheap supermarket alcohol sales.

Craft beer lovers need not fret. Microbrewers are finding a place on the shelves of supermarkets that have spotted a business opportunity here. This has not been lost on the discounters either. In June, the German discounter Lidl launched a selection of 48 UK regional beers, with more to follow in September.