Five of the best English beers

Give the fizzy continental lager a miss and watch the footie with these English ale heroes.

Euro 2012 has arrived and with it a glut of advertising for mass-produced fizzy lager. But if you’re cheering on England, there are a host of local brews that make far better companions to the footie action.

Below are five high-scoring English beers and what to serve them with. I've gone for more mainstream beers, although feel free to suggest your local favourites in the Comments box at the bottom of the article.

Adnams Broadside

A ruby red beer with hints of fruitcake and a lovely rich finish. A perennial favourite, it was a bronze medal winner in the Strong Bitter category at last year’s CAMRA Beer Awards.
Serve it with: Sausages
Find it in: Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose

Black Sheep Ale

Hints of citrus mixed with a malty and bitter flavour but ends on a really smooth, dry finish. One of my favourite northern beers.
Serve it with: Lamb burgers or lamb kebabs
Find it: All major supermarkets

Sharp’s Doom Bar

The best-selling cask beer in the south west of England, this Cornish ale from Sharp’s is malty and bitter but with a dry finish.
Serve it with: Chicken curry
Find it in: Waitrose

St Peter’s Golden Ale

From Bungay in Suffolk, this light ale is similar to a Czech pilsener but with a slightly more fruity and bitter finish. Fortunately our office is 15 minutes walk from their London pub.
Serve it with: Fish and chips
Find it in: Tesco, Waitrose

Timothy Taylor Landlord

Madonna’s favourite beer (but don't let that put you off), this pale ale has plenty of malty flavour and a really satisfying, earthy finish.
Serve it with: Sausage rolls and pork pies
Find it in: Sainsbury’s, Tesco

What beer do you like to drink when you're watching the game? And what do you serve it with? Do you match your beer with food? Share your thoughts in the Comments box below.

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