London Brewing's Beer Street Crowned Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2026
In a significant triumph for the craft brewing scene, Beer Street (4.0%), an amber rye bitter produced by London Brewing in North Finchley, has secured the prestigious Champion Winter Beer of Britain award for 2026. The announcement was made at the Liverpool Beer Festival, marking a proud moment for the brewery and its dedicated team.
Judges Praise Exceptional Flavour Profile
The judging panel was thoroughly impressed by Beer Street's unique characteristics. Christine Cryne, the judging panel coordinator, provided a detailed description: "A sparkling golden amber bitter, with spicy rye and a roasty nose, sweet biscuit on the flavour, where the spicy rye notes increase and linger in the dry and slightly bitter finish. Very easy drinking." This glowing review highlights the beer's complex yet approachable nature, which has clearly resonated with experts.
Brewery Director Expresses Delight and Gratitude
Reacting to the win, Senan Sexton, director of London Brewing, shared his enthusiasm: "We're absolutely delighted that our best bitter, Beer Street, has been named Champion Winter Beer of Britain 2026 by CAMRA. We've been brewing Beer Street since we founded the brewery in 2011, and it's a real testament to the skill and dedication of our head brewer, Alex, that he has continued to refine and elevate the recipe over the years." He added that this accolade is particularly meaningful for a brewery of their size, serving as both a proud moment for the team and a boost for the enduring appeal of high-quality cask ales in UK pubs.
Next Steps and Competition Details
This victory is not the end of the journey for Beer Street. The beer will now advance to the final judging in May at CAMRA's Cambridge Beer Festival, where it will compete against other category winners for the ultimate title of Supreme Champion 2026. This progression underscores the beer's exceptional quality and potential to achieve even greater recognition.
CAMRA's Independent Awards Process
Shelly Bentley, CAMRA's awards director, emphasized the integrity of the competition: "Our Champion Beer of Britain competition is the only truly independent beer contest in the UK. Brewers can't simply enter their beers into it; they have to be nominated by beer lovers or expert tasting panels." She congratulated London Brewing as deserving winners and noted that all top placements should be proud of their achievements, as judged by experts.
This award not only celebrates London Brewing's craftsmanship but also highlights the vibrant beer culture in North Finchley and beyond, encouraging appreciation for traditional and innovative brewing methods alike.
