Drink
Discover the difference between a pint of stout and a pint of bitter and where best to sample such delicious ales in our A-Z of historic pubs, or explore our guide to England’s breweries and find out your nearest brewery tour. For those palettes that require a lighter touch, enter a world of apples, orchards and discover the difference between Somerset and Herefordshire cider.
Find out more about England’s surprising number of vineyards in Gloucestershire, Cornwall and Surrey and its thriving wine industry. From Sharpham in Devon to Biddenden in Kent, our guide to English vineyards lists opening times and contact details, as well as a vineyard history and wine inventory.
We also warm the pot, raise a cuppa and pay tribute to the history of tea, exploring the paraphernalia and customs of the nation’s favourite drink (and one of its favourite pastimes). Use our A-Z guide to the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in England.
A pint of beer is a curious thing. To the unseasoned pallet it might be nothing more than a simple prop for a good night out, a helping hand to ease away the working week.
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Historic breweries, coppers gleaming under oak-timbered ceilings and mystic brews frothing in antique stone ‘squares’, micro-breweries with state-of-the-art stainless steel.
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Many vineyards and wineries can be found in some of England's finest countryside. At present, some 100 vineyards are also open to the public offering you the opportunity of a most enjoyable day out.
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Cider and perry are key pieces in the jigsaw of real food and drink in England. With most English ciders the greater the variety of apples used, the better, as they all have different characteristics.
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The early beginnings of tea in England are obscure. The East India Company, under their charter granted by Elizabeth I to the Directors, had the monopoly of importing goods from outside Europe and recorded ships reaching Britain in 1637.
More about tea in England