Cheers! Breweries put Shropshire on the map

Beers from Hobson's at Cleobury Mortimer, Salopian from Hadnall, near Shrewsbury, and Wrekin Brewing Co from Wellington have all been selected for the Great British Beer Festival at London's Olympia.

Monty's Brewery from Montgomery and Brecon Brewing Company will also be among those represented at the five-day event, which opens on August 11.

The festival, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale, is expected to attract more than 55,000 beer lovers, and is considered to be one of the most prestigious events on the British real ale calendar.

A total of 900 real ales, international beers, ciders and perrys will be on sale at the event.

The event will also include the Champion Beer of Britain competition including the lucky beer named Supreme Champion.

Last year Salopian Brewery's Darwin's Origin came third in the competition. Director Jake Douglas said it was the second time in four years that the brewery had taken third place, with Shropshire Gold taking bronze in 2011.

"There are well over 1,000 breweries in Britain, so to be voted third best in the country twice in four years is not bad going," he said.

This year Salopian will have no fewer than four beers on sale at the event, with Oracle and Golden Thread joining Darwin's and Origin in the bar.

Hobson's from Cleobury Mortimer won the Champion Beer title in 2007 with Hobson's Mild.

This year it will be represented with Old Prickly, a fruity and floral pale ale.

Monty's Masquerade, thought to be Wales's only gluten-free beer, has been selected for this year's event.

Russell Honeyman, who helps wife Pam run the brewery, says it is a major honour to be chosen for the second time running.

"Last year they chose our sunshine beer, this year it is Masquerade," he said.

"It's important for us because there are over 1,500 breweries in Britain now, and it's important to get your beer in the spotlight.

"The Great British Beer Festival is internationally renowned, and it's fantastic to get your beer there."

Mrs Honeyman said she was particularly proud of Masquerade, saying it had taken 14 months to get the recipe just right.

"It took first prize at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show just before Christmas, and that was because it was just a good beer, not because it was gluten free."

The real ale craze continues in the UK, with sales up eight per cent year-on-year.