25/08/2026
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 beer market. The demand for independent beer is there, 280% higher than its market share, which is in our 'Beer in the UK' report. Getting it onto bars is the problem.
LocAle started in 2007 when Nottingham CAMRA members watched the beers 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: beer miles. LocAle was the response, a scheme that accredits pubs committing to always stock at least one cask beer brewed within around 30 miles. The beers 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 beer miles down, tag us and tell us what brewery made the beer 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. 👇
