London-Brewed Bitter Crowned Britain's Greatest Winter Beer for 2026
As winter's chill begins to fade and spring approaches, beer enthusiasts across Britain have a new champion to celebrate. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has revealed its selection for the greatest winter beer of 2026, and the winner hails from London.
Beer Street, crafted by London Brewing Co., has been named CAMRA's Champion Winter Beer of Britain. This prestigious award comes after a rigorous competition that pitted the London brew against hundreds of other stouts, porters, strong ales, and barley wines nominated by both passionate beer lovers and expert tasting panels.
A Year-Long Journey to Victory
The path to victory was neither quick nor easy. Beer Street underwent a year of local and regional blind tasting heats before emerging triumphant. It first secured first place in the 'speciality, differently produced' category before claiming the overall winter champion title.
CAMRA judges provided a detailed tasting note that captured the beer's essence. They described it as "a sparkling golden amber bitter, with spicy rye and a roasty nose, sweet biscuit on the flavour, where the spicy rye notes increase and linger in the dry and slightly bitter finish." The judges concluded with the simple but powerful endorsement: "very easy drinking."
The Brewery Behind the Champion
London Brewing Co. has been producing quality beers since 2011, beginning their journey at the Bull in Highgate before acquiring The Bohemia in North Finchley and relocating there in 2014. The brewery's own description of Beer Street highlights "notes of toffee, dried fruit, dark chocolate and a subtle nutty rye finish."
While London Brewing Co. claimed the gold, other notable winners included:
- Silver medal: Cairngorm's Black Gold
- Bronze medal: Green Jack's Baltic Trader Export Stout (with a substantial 10.5% ABV)
Looking Ahead to the Supreme Championship
The competition doesn't end with the winter title. Beer Street and all other category winners will now prepare for the ultimate challenge: the CAMRA Cambridge Beer Festival in May 2026, where they will compete for the title of Supreme Champion Beer of Britain.
Other categories recognized in the awards included:
- Best brown ales, red ales, old ales and strong milds
- Best session stouts and porters
- Best barley wines and strong ales
This victory represents more than just another award for London Brewing Co. It signifies London's growing prominence in Britain's craft beer scene and demonstrates how traditional brewing techniques can produce innovative, award-winning results. As winter gives way to spring, beer enthusiasts now have a new champion to seek out and savor.
