University report names Sheffield as the real ale capital of the world

After being found to be the best city for drinking real ale in the UK for three years running, Sheffield has now been named the world’s real ale capital in a report by uni beer experts. 

In a study commissioned by the University of Sheffield, the Steel City was found to have one brewery for every 23,991 people, beating London’s beer scene by nearly five times.

Said to be a hidden gem, our breweries were discovered to produce 400 different varieties of beer on an average day, putting the city up there with Munich and Bruges as an ale hotspot according to the report.

The findings come after a ‘beer census’ in September revealed that we beat the likes of Nottingham, York and Leeds in terms of unique cask ales, while the average price of a pint of the drink came in at £2.86.

Speaking of the city’s beery boom, Sheffield University professor Vanessa Toulmin said: “Beer and pubs are the cultural glue that holds the city together.

“Sheffield has always been a city of makers and it’s no surprise that this extends to beer too.”

Although the study recognised that London and Manchester are perhaps more famous for being more lively ale destinations,  it is hoped the city will welcome more people for a drink over the next year with a planned £3 million brewery investment.

Division Street’s craft ale specialist, BrewDog

If that’s not enough beverage themed news, Sheffield Students’ Union Beer Festival will return to the Bar One and Interval Garden on Friday 29 April until Sunday 01 April. The weekend will see a German themed stein bar and more than 100 real ales, lagers and ciders on offer.

A pop up gin bar, BBQ and hog roast will also be available too.