The US and the UK sit relatively close when it comes to the amount of beer drunk per person per year. I think it's safe to say it's far too much. But, as an Englishman, I am always surprised to see what people abroad think we drink in our local. As a born and bred Brit, these are the beers I see in most English people's hands come a good pub session.
Guinness
Yes, the Black Gold is the number one draft beer in English pubs at present. It has shot back into the spotlight recently, once again becoming the favorite of English boozers. Like most of the top-selling beers in England, it isn't made in the country. However, that doesn't stop us drinking it like it's going out of fashion.
Over the festive period of 2023, there was a manufactured shortage of Guinness in England. Pubs and bars in the country started rationing the drink due to its popularity.
Stella Artois
Somehow Stella has manage to throw off its reputation as a drink for football shirt wearing morons, and is now considered an elite beer. Stella Artois has taken the number one spot for beers in England, with more sales overall than any other.
However, unless a Stella Artois is bought for me, there is no chance I would ever drink the Belgian pilsner. Their rebrand only changed the can and glass it comes in. It's still the same cheap swill as before. I'm not fooled, and my memory isn't that short.
Microbrewery Beer
England has so many microbrewery beers, it would be impossible to list them all, but there are some incredible ones out there. If you're looking to pick something up, look for an Arbour Ale or even a more commercially available Beavertown Brewery beer.
Most cities will have pubs dedicated to only the best in local microbrewery beer. If that's your thing, then you're in luck. Many of them taste like penny water strained through an old sports sock, but there are occasional winners, too.
Cider
As a man from the Westcountry, cider has been something that sits close to my heart. Apple cider is the most common, but much sweeter and stronger pear cider, or perry, exists too. Cider can be flat, carbonated, sweet, dry, warm, or cold. It's strong, it's delicious, it's golden, and it's not a beer, but it's one of the best drinks you can find in an English pub.
If you want to grab a decent cider, stay as far from Strongbow as possible. That's a drink bought in two-liter plastic bottles in the UK and drunk by people who pay rent to their local park bench. Pick up a Thatchers or a Henry Westons. Like beers, there are thousands of orchards making amazing ciders too.
John Smiths
Ale is a big deal in England when it comes to beer. It's quite unique, and it is a drink that needs time to grow on you. It's often room temperature, and also commonly flat. It has a powerful flavor that makes Bud Light taste like filtered water. Its deceptive taste often hides its strength, too, and it can sneak up on you.
John Smith's is a lovely, smooth, creamy pint that is a perfect gateway beer into the best of English ale. Each drink is like a small meal, and after three or four of them, you'll be stumbling.
St. Austell Korev
When the sun comes out for its annual 2-week summer appearance in the UK, there's one regularly available beer I will gravitate towards. The Cornish St. Austell brewery has somehow managed to capture the flavour of English summer and squeeze it into one beautiful golden crisp pint of IPA. That first cold draw of a Korev, for me, is one of the things I miss from home.
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