Mystery of disappearing Hoegaarden

Mystery sourrounds the growing shortage of Belgian wheat beer Hoegaarden in the UK.

Disgruntled licensees have told The Publican that deliveries of the beer have completely dried up, with no explanation why.

Brian Snell, licensee of the Bull Inn in Henfield, Sussex, said he was at a loss as to why his deliveries stopped.

"I've been without Hoegaarden for at least two months now," he said. "I have built it up in my pub for over six years and what annoys me is there has been no apology or letter from the brewer. My various enquiries have just been fobbed off."

Rob Hoare, licensee of the Hartington in Brighton, says he has had to put a sign up over his bar to explain to customers why he has no Hoegaarden.

"I am not happy about it at all," he said. "It looked great on the bar - the font had great presence. But the deliveries have just mysteriously stopped. We are now looking to replace it with Kronenbourg Blanc if we can."

Rumours are circulating the industry that the problems result from industrial action taking place at the Hoegaarden brewery - stemming from the closure of the original brewery in the village of Hoegaarden and its move to Leuven. Other sources have said that the Leuven move has led to the departure of the Hoegaarden head brewer.

In response to questions from The Publican regarding these rumours, a spokesman for InBev UK said: "InBev UK can confirm that a production issue has resulted in reduced availability of bottles and kegs of Hoegaarden. This is a temporary situation. However, InBev UK has informed its customers and will work with those affected to provide alternative products until normal supply resumes."