Nicola Foley discovers the best local beers to slake your thirst this summer
Session Ale by Old Friends
With an avowed goal of bringing a slice of the craft revolution to its beloved home town of Cambridge, Old Friends Brewery make a great little range of craft beers. Our current fave is the Session Ale – a well-hopped, fizzy and crisp little number with a nicely bitter edge. Ideal sunny day drinking material.
Where to get it: Novi, La Maison Du Steak, Thirsty, Bacchanalia & more
Ninth by Calverley’s
A family-run microbrewery and tap bar tucked away on Hooper Street where you can sit and taste your way through brilliant brews, Calverley’s has become an essential stop on the beer map of Cambridge. This offering, Ninth, is a white pale ale with a gentle hoppy flavour and a slight, satisfying, bitter edge. Extra points for the awesome bottle artwork (by local illustrator Ollie St Clair Terry).
Where to get it: Calverley’s Brewery
Saffron EPA BY Saffron Brewery
An artisan brewery based in Henham, Saffron Brewery uses top-quality ingredients to make exceptionally tasty ales. The Saffron EPA is a summer drinking winner which sings with elderflower and refreshing hints of blackcurrant. Pack a few in a cool bag and slurp them while you punt down to Grantchester.
Where to get it: Direct via saffronbrewery.co.uk, or shops including Waitrose and Joseph Barnes Wines
Martyr by Bishop Nick
A seriously hopped-up beer that demands your taste buds’ attention, this is a must-try for lovers of American-style IPA. It’s made by Bishop Nick, an Essex-based brewery, and boasts impressive depth of flavour, from the spicy floral bitterness to the sweet maltiness underneath.
Where to get it: Direct from bishopnick.com, The Larder at Burwash Manor and local pubs including The Cambridge Brew House and The Hopbine
The Essex Serpent by Saffron Brewery
Another from Saffron Brewery, this one, inspired by the book of the same name, is for fans of a traditional bitter. The brewery’s bestseller, even the beautiful label matches the famous novel’s cover. The ale itself is reddish-brown in hue, with a velvety smoothness and hints of roasted nuts and fruity floral aromas.
Where to get it: Direct via saffronbrewery.co.uk, or shops including Waitrose and Joseph Barnes Wines
Sauvignon Blonde by Crafty Beers
A real hit on the local scene, this brilliantly-named number is a golden ale from Crafty Beers, based near Stetchworth. Its distinctive flavour – reminiscent of the most famous Kiwi wine of all – comes from the Nelson Sauvin hops which are brought all the way from New Zealand.
Where to get it: Direct from craftybeers.co.uk, or pubs including The White Swan in Stow cum Quy
