Hah! but I make Windfall Cider and then I ice refine it on bitter cold Winter nights to mellow it out
Now that stuff makes strong men gasp, but it's smooooooth going down and it fair heats everything up, and it smells like apple jelly but is almost as clear as water.......and technically I suppose it's scrumpy........
Guiness is in a class of its own and, whilst an aquired taste, makes a good quaffable drink, it doesn't travel well though, so the further you are from Ireland, the lower the quality.
For some lighter beers, try the Wye Valley Brewery, or Otter Brewery. I'm a fan of Dorothy Goodbody (who isn't? ). Also if you cross the border into Wales, try some Rhymney Bitter. Reverend James is another good pint.
Cider is the British equivalent of wine. Masses of local varieties, depending on the apples used. Some of the very locally produced ciders (and perry, made from pears) are stunning, if often very potent. Welsh cider is different (darker, almost smoky) again.
the really good thing is, you can't possibly cover it all in one trip, so you'll have to come back several more times!
If you're in the Hampshire area, it could be worth checking out the Hogs Back Brewery, and their flagship beer TEA (Traditional English Ale)
Cropton Brewery certainly gets my vote! Nice pub, nice food, nice countryside, and a brewery out back. Been going to their beer festival since about 1995Nip over into Yorkshire - you'll find some of the best ale in the land here. Come to the Haworth beer festival (Fri 21 − Sun 23 October 2011) over 100 locally brewed ales on offer - it's tough living 5 minutes away from that
have you seen the date of this thread ? LOL !
If you can get it, try 'Yellowhammer' or 'Red Kite' from the Black Isle Brewery.