The big UK retailers have raised their game when it comes to the type of beer they offer
Marks and Spencer has recently started carrying a whole new range of products, and the company is following in the footsteps of two other chains
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Marks and Spencer has changed. The company's food halls, long a good indicator as to what the British middle class want to consume, are full of edgy new products. On a recent visit I picked up a jar of Brooklyn Brine Co's Hop-Pickles, which are made with Dogfish Head's 60-minute IPA. A bit sexier than a prawn-mayo sarnie, I think you'll agree.
The kind of beer M&S sells has changed, too. The company has recently started carrying a whole new range of products, from the M&S-branded Jester IPA, made with a punchy new English hop and brewed by the admirable Adnams, to offerings from some of the UK's best new small breweries: Buxton, Camden, Fourpure and others.
In this respect, M&S are following in the footsteps of two other chains. Booths, the largely Lancashire-based retailers, has been committed to quality beer for years, while Waitrose has a very decent selection, with Thornbridge, Meantime and Oakham.
Even Tesco is taking an interest. Traditionally more interested in selling huge volumes of branded lager, Tesco has collaborated with the Beer Alliance to introduce their customers to five key beer styles. Given the size of Tesco's market, this could be very significant.
A good thing – it's about time the big retailers raised their game. While I'd always recommend the best smaller retailers, like Beer Ritz in Leeds or the Bottle Shop in Canterbury, not everyone has these on their doorstep. Thankfully, supermarkets are now stepping into the breach.
Three to try
Oakham Citra
This crisp, dry classic from Oakham sets the standard for Britain's pale beers. 4.6% ABV, £1.99 for 500ml, waitrose.com
Suffolk Single Variety British Hop Jester IPA
Made with a new hop, this IPA is a sort of gooseberry and grapefruit punch. 5.2% ABV, £2.40 for 500ml, marksandspencer.com
Boulevard Tank 7
This superb farmhouse ale is peppery, dry and hugely drinkable given its not inconsiderable strength. 8.5%, £2.69 for 355ml, booths.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments