Beers made with British hops to star in Wetherspoon beer festival

The highlight of the event, due to take place between March 13 and 29, will be 10 real ales brewed by brewers from as far afield as Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand and Canada.

Each of the beers must be brewed using British grown hops, from classics such as Fuggles and Goldings to newer varieties like Boadicea and Jester.

The beers include Wee Heavy  by the Bodebrown Brewery, Brazil; Durban Pale Ale  from the Shongweni Brewery, South Africa and Spider Bite by Devils Backbone brewery in the US.

All will be brewed at breweries in the UK.

They will be complemented by a further 40 special beers from across the UK, many of which have been brewed especially for the event.

The UK brews will include tipples from the Black Sheep Brewery (Monty Python’s Holy Grail), SA Brains (Pocket Full of Rye), Robinsons (Mojo) and the Hanlons Brewery (New Moon).

“The festival is the perfect opportunity to showcase the wonderful range of British-grown hop varieties and support British hop farmers,” said beer festival organiser Gary Holmes.

“It will give beer enthusiasts the perfect opportunity to enjoy a superb selection of UK and international beers, many of which have not previously been served in Wetherspoon pubs.”

Drinkers will be able to sample any three of the festival beers in third of a pint glasses for the price of a pint, as part of the event.

Last week it was revealed beer sales in UK pubs are up for the first time in 10 years.