Fantastic family-run firms fly the flag for Harrogate in 'most coveted beer competition in the world'
Two independent Harrogate breweries have done the town proud by winning medals in the Champion Beer of Britain contest.
Neither Daleside nor Harrogate Brewing Co are strangers to awards success but The Champion Beer of Britain is the highest honour CAMRA can bestow and will put them both in the UK-wide and international spotlight.
In the Premium Bitter category, Daleside won Silver for its long-time favourite, Monkey Wrench, 5.3%.
In the Mild category, Harrogate Brewing Co won Silver for its Nidd Mild, 3.7%.
Reacting to the news, Adam Cox, General Manager of Daleside Brewery, said: “I am over the moon that Daleside’s Monkey Wrench has once again scooped a national award.
"This fantastic beer has been receiving awards from both CAMRA & SIBA nationally since the 1990’s.
"A lot of love and care go into our beers here at Daleside, ensuring they are always at their very best.
"Our success is a result of our careful and meticulous brewing”.
The medal win in The Champion Beer of Britain 2026 Awards, which were held at the Cambridge Beer Festival, is a remarkable success story for Daleside.
Founded in the mid-1980s by a family with a long brewing tradition, Daleside Brewery was hit by the twin challenges of Covid and the cost of living crisis.
In May 2024, it was bought by fellow independent Harrogate brewery Rooster’s and relocated to Hornbeam Park.
Harrogate Brewing Co, which is run by local couple Joe and Julie Joyce, is also a frequent winner at home and abroad.
Located off Hookstone Chase, it won Gold in the Indie Beer Awards for its Nidd Mild earlier this year.
The family-run brewery also saved Harrogate’s Old Bell Tavern pub last year, redeveloping it and renaming it Harrogate Brewing Co.
First held in 1978, The Champion Beer of Britain is one of the most coveted and well-respected cask beer competitions in the world.
Judging for the competition takes two years to complete, starting with nominations from individual CAMRA members.
CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain 2026 was Independence, 4.6%, a premium pale ale by Bristol Beer Factory.
More information: https://camra.org.uk/awards/champion-beer-of-britain