Hail to the ale

1. Dawkins Ales Dawkins Ales is an innovative, independent West Country microbrewery. The winner of 16 major industry awards, Dawkins Ales has a core range of five beers that includes the traditional best bitter Bristol Best, a strong American IPA named Resolution, and a number of monthly specials available across the region.

www.dawkinsaleas.com

2. St Austell Brewery This South West institution has been around since 1851, and is responsible for some of the country's best-known real ales, including Tribute and Proper Job. They also do a good sideline in pubs and hotels and offer a brewery tour, perfect for enthusiasts visiting Cornwall.

www.staustellbrewery.co.uk

3. Windsor & Eton Brewery Set up in 2010, Windsor & Eton Brewery is a relative newcomer on the scene, but what they lack in years, they more than make up for in enthusiasm. To help celebrate Harry and Meghan's wedding they launched a new beer and have since been awarded a Royal Warrant from Prince Philip, who is an ale fan.

www.webrew.co.uk

4. Rebellion Beer Company Set up by old school friends Tim Coombes and Mark Gloyens, Rebellion Beer Company helped re-establish Marlow as a brewery town, after its former brewery shut down in 1987. They produce a wide range of ales, as well as seasonal brews such as their Winter Royal.

www.rebellionbeer.co.uk

5. Camden Town Brewery The guys at Camden Town Brewery are the kings of the hipster craft ale revolution – their branding seems to capture the very essence of what it means to be a 21stcentury ale drinker. Their flagship Hells Lager is a straight-up, refreshing beer, while their pale ale is a suitably hoppy affair.

www.camdentownbrewery. com