North-east is top real ale region
People in north-east England are the top drinkers of real ale after new research showed 74% of adults in the region have tried it.
The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) released the findings of its nationwide survey to find the biggest supporters of real ale as the Great British Beer Festival kicks off today.
The north-east of England emerged as the biggest supporters with 74% of drinkers having tried real ale, up from 33% two years ago. East Anglia was next with 70% of people having tried it, up from 42%, and the Midlands was third with 59%, up from 40%.
Across all regions 54% of drinkers have now tried real ale with the lowest rate in Yorkshire at 45%, up just 7% from two years ago.
"In just two years, parts of the UK where it once was rare to see a real ale handpump on a high street have now proliferated, with well-run pubs dedicated to showcasing the real ale boom to local consumers," said CAMRA national chairman Colin Valentine.
"Today's research really reinforces the point that drinkers are growing tired of drinking the advertising of mass produced global brands, and are turning towards quality, locally produced real ales for inspiration."
More than 500 British real ales are being showcased at the festival, which runs until 7 August.
