Nothing hits the spot like a cold beer on a sunny day. Sophie Farrah discovers the best local brews...
Two Flints Brewing
Two Flints Santiago (3.8%)
“This is our flagship pale ale, built on everything we love about modern beer. Refreshing, sessionable and packed with juicy American hops. On top of a soft, pillowy base we’ve hopped liberally with Citra, Mosaic and Idaho 7 for bright notes of juicy peach, zesty orange and fleshy mango all tied together by a gentle citrusy bitter finish. It’s also gluten free.”
– Alex at Two Flints Brewing in Windsor; twoflintsbrewery.com
Hogs Back Brewery
Nirvana Session IPA (4%)
“This is an easy-drinking, well-balanced session IPA brewed with aromatic Cascade hops from our own hop garden together with US Mosaic and Centennial hops for a perfect citrus and tropical blend. At 4%, this light session IPA goes down wonderfully well in the sunshine.”
Jill at Hogs Back Brewery near Farnham; hogsback.co.uk
Elusive Mangotron (4.7%)
Elusive Mangotron (4.7%)
“Our new summer special is made with fresh mango. We took our base Pale Ale recipe and added lots of Citra hops for notes of peach and citrus fruits, before adding layers of fresh mango to deliver something super fruity and refreshing. It’s dry, but with moderate bitterness to allow the fruit to really shine.”
Andy at Elusive Brewing; elusivebrewing.com
Twickenham Brewery
Twickenham Summer Sun (4.4%)
“Available from June to August only, this very pale and hoppy beer is the essence of summer. Extra pale ale and wheat malts combine with the aromatic Citra hop to make a very bright and refreshing pint.”
Ben at Twickenham Brewery; twickenham-fine-ales.co.uk
Windsor & Eton Brewery
Windsor & Eton Brewery Republika (4.8%)
“Using Saaz hops, Czech yeast and Pilsner malt, Republika is our most popular beer, and for very good reason. Every brew is naturally conditioned for nine weeks – this traditional approach gives it smaller bubbles with a ‘cut-grass’ aroma and a clean, fresh flavour with a balanced finish. It’s perfect for summer.”
Bob at Windsor & Eton Brewery; webrew.co.uk
Crafty Brewing
Crafty Brewing Distant Horizon Hazy Pale Ale (5.6%)
“With a soft and smooth mouthfeel, this pale ale is highly refreshing. It won Silver at the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers & Associates) awards in 2024. Dry hopped with Citra and Nectaron hops, it delivers flavours of citrus and stone fruit.”
Rick at Crafty Brewing near Godalming; craftybrewing.co.uk
Middle Child Brewing
Middle Child Brewing East Molesey Pale (5.2%)
“This smooth and juicy hazy pale has strong pink grapefruit flavours enhanced with the aromas of pineapple and mango. Try it with a spicy BBQ on a hot summer evening.”
Vincent at Middle Child Brewing in East Molesey; middlechildbrewing.com
Disruption Is Brewing
Disruption Is Brewing Chaos More Chaos (5%)
“This hazy pale is packed with juicy tropical flavours. Mosaic, Citra, and Nelson Sauvin hops deliver a perfect balance of fruity zest and hoppy notes. It pairs beautifully with a BBQ, cutting through smoky richness.”
Greg at Disruption Is Brewing, Camberley; disruptionisbrewing.co.uk
Jawbone Brewing
Jawbone Highs & Lows Harlequin (4.8%)
“This is the latest in our lager series – it’s an easy-drinking pilsner that makes a homegrown British hop the star of the show. Expect the crisp, herbal bite of a Pils, with a modern tropical lift.”
Emma at Jawbone Brewing in Twickenham; jawbonebrewing.com
The Park Brewery
The Park Amelia Pale (4.2%)
“A five-time SIBA regional award winner and 2025 National Gold Champion (Session Pale), it’s packed with juicy US Mosaic hops for a hit of passionfruit and blueberry. Crisp and moreish, the smooth malt base keeps you coming back for more.”
Frankie at The Park Brewery in Kingston; theparkbrewery.com
