A new brewery is opening up every other day, making Britain a 'brewing powerhouse'.

The beer and pubs sector is now responsible for 869,000 jobs - with all parts of the country enjoying a 'beer boom' - according to the Government figures.

Community pubs minister Marcus Jones said: "Today's figures show Britain is back on the map as a global Brewing Powerhouse with three breweries opening up every week.

"We gave the world the IPA and the Great British pint has been revered ever since.

"This brewing boom means thousands of jobs and a multibillion-pound boost to the economy.

"We are determined to build on this momentum and our strategy of lower taxes, less regulation and a growing economy is the best way to support this thriving and diverse sector."

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Where's your local brewery?

  • Bexley Brewery: Run by husband-and-wife team Cliff and Jane Murphy, this is Bexley's first brewery since 1956, soon to be celebrating its first birthday. Based in Erith.
  • Late Knights Brewery, Bromley: Derelict Victorian slaughterhouse, come microbrewery. The brewery makes 100 casks of beer a week, and has been open for over two years. Based in Penge.
  • Hop Stuff Brewery, Greenwich: Founded by former City boy James Yeomans, two years ago. Based in a former Royal Artillery building in Woolwich.
  • Meantime Brewing Company, Greenwich: Well-known brewery, with its own bar open daily. Based at Blackwall Lane.
  • Brockley Brewery, Lewisham: Friendly, local brewery. Open Friday evening and Saturday daytime, from their garage base.
  • Zerodegrees: This restaurant and brewery (named after the meridian line through Blackheath) is the original in a chain of eateries now in Bristol, Reading and Cardiff. All beers served are brewed fresh on site. Based in Blackheath.
  • Caveman Brewery, Swanscombe: Beers brewed in 'the cave' below the George and Dragon pub. Stocked in this pub and others in Kent, Orpington and Petts Wood.
  • Millis Brewing, South Darenth: Family run pub at St Margarets Farm. Established 27 years ago at John Millis' Gravesend home.
  • Brew Buddies, Swanley: Microbrewery, established when two friends joined their passion to brew 'refreshingly unique ales'.

Mike Benner, of the Society of Independent Brewers, said: "This is an incredibly exciting time for British craft brewing.

"The number of breweries is soaring leading to more jobs across the UK and more choice for consumers.

"With such an exciting range of different colours, strengths, styles and flavours, in draught, bottle or can format now available, I'm sure there is a beer out there to suit all palates."

The report was published ahead of Camra's Great British Beer Festival at London's Olympia this week.

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