20/08/2026
When we were founded in 1971, the UK had less than 150 breweries. Today there are around 1,600 independent ones. 🍺
But 2025 was a record year for brewery closures. 137 net losses, nearly three closures a week. The reason is consistent: independent brewers are locked out of 62% of pubs in their local markets through pub company contracts, line maintenance deals and tied supply agreements. Four global corporations hold most of the b**r market. The demand for independent b**r is there, 280% higher than its market share, which is in our 'B**r in the UK' report. Getting it onto bars is the problem.
LocAle started in 2007 when Nottingham CAMRA members watched the b**rs from a local brewery, that had been brewing since 1832, start arriving from Bury St Edmunds after Greene King bought and closed it. They coined a phrase for it: b**r miles. LocAle was the response, a scheme that accredits pubs committing to always stock at least one cask b**r brewed within around 30 miles. The b**rs that qualify carry a pump clip crowner on the handpull so you know which ones to order.
This month find a LocAle pub near you at https://orlo.uk/LpyyE, tick LocAle under 'Features' and look for the crowner when you get there. Order something local. Score it.
Then tell us about it. Share the pub or taproom keeping b**r miles down, tag us and tell us what brewery made the b**r you drank. We'll be sharing the best finds all month.
Is there a LocAle pub near you, or a brewery worth visiting? Tell us in the comments and share this with someone who loves a good local pint. 👇
**r **rMiles
