After decades of decline in the numbers of traditional local breweries, we are at last seeing their resurgence in Britain as discerning drinkers demand the same high quality from their beverages as they demand from their food.

The importance of CAMRA (the Campaign for Real Ale) in this process is undeniable – their determined efforts to raise awareness of quality beers and ales has struck a chord with drinkers and brewers alike, and it is quite likely that customers are now better informed about traditional brewing and beers than ever before. Their 2003 Good Beer Guide contains no less than 120 pages of Independent Breweries in Britain, complete with tasting notes for most of the entries, and includes not only traditionally cask-conditioned ales, but also describes seasonal or occasional brews and even bottle-conditioned beers.

Whether large enterprises or new micro-breweries, the key to quality beers and ales is without doubt the quality of the ingredients, and the tender loving care of the brewers. Water, hops, malt and other flavours are combined to produce products of superior quality and flavour. How fortunate we are that traditional brewing seems to be on the increase!