Number of people trying real ale rises

The number of people drinking real ale for the first time has risen by 40% in the past five years, research from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has revealed.

The consumer organisation claims the statistics from its Omnibus Survey show there is a whole new market for good beer, in stark comparison to when CAMRA was formed in 1971, when the market was dominated by global brewers.

CAMRA also revealed that more than 200 new breweries have opened since 2006, growing the market by around 25%.

This means there are now 800 breweries in the UK.

This recent growth is being spurred on by areas such as London where seven breweries have opened in the past five years.

This growth includes small, artisan brewers such as Kernel in Bermondsey and Sambrook's in Clapham, south London.

The news from CAMRA was released at the Great British Beer Festival (GBBF), being held at Earl's Court from 2 to 6 August.

More than 1,000 beers are being showcased at the event, which is expected to attract 65,000 people over the five-day period.