London Wine Fair to showcase beer for the first time

The 2014 event, due to take place between 2 and 4 June at London Olympia, will feature the new dedicated section called the Brewhouse.

It will showcase a raft of “small batch, specialist and craft beers,” chosen by beer writer and sommelier Sophie Atherton.

“It's exactly the right time for a beer section at a wine trade event because of the growing interest in high quality beers and in pairing beer with food,” Atherton said.

“It's something that other brewing cultures - like the US and, of course, Belgium - are already making the most of.

“Deciding what beers to stock needs as much thought and consideration as wine menus do. We think a visit to Brewhouse will enable buyers to put together some excellent beer selections, to make the most of the growing interest and increased sales the category is experiencing."

Several breweries have already confirmed they will be attending, including Liberty Beer, Harviestoun, Batemans, Meantime and Williams Bros.

Justin Rivett, managing director of Liberty Beer said: "We are at London Wine Fair to bring the best British Craft Brewers to a wider audience.

“We believe that modern beers have more complexity than they are given credit for and should have a place alongside the world's best wines, here and on your menu."