by Alice Hamilton Beer

National Beer Day 2018 is here! To celebrate, we’ve put together five facts about one of the nation’s favourite tipples - the perfect reading to accompany a post-work drink this sunny Friday afternoon.

1. National Beer Day is celebrated on June 15...because of the Magna Carta

The historical document was signed on this day in 1215. Not only did it enshrine some of our fundamental rights, it could be argued that it was the Magna Carta that officially gave us the great British pint.

Clause 35 of the document lays out the provision for beer to be sold in a “single measure”, saying: “Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine and a single measure for ale”

2. There are almost 50 different beers brewed in Kent alone

Not only is Kent home to Britain’s oldest brewery, Shepherd Neame, but there are dozens of breweries all across the county. There’s barely a town without one.

The Campaign for Real Ale in Kent group has published a map showing the location of all Kent breweries. You can find the map here: www.kentcamra.org.uk/kent/breweries.

3. Stuck for lunch ideas? Try beer soup!

A popular breakfast food in medieval Europe, beer soup is perhaps not as common as it once was, but recipes for this boozy stew are easy to find online.

Traditionally made with just beer, water, sugar, salt, flour and an egg, modern day recipes include a good helping of cheddar cheese and chicken stock. The hearty soup is apparently very popular in the US state of Wisconsin.

4. The first micro-pub was founded in Kent

The Butcher’s Arm opened in the village of Herne in 2005, and according to owner Martyn Hillier, is the very first micro-pub. The tiny tavern can only handle a handful of beer fans at once, but has remained hugely popular since opening thanks to their range of ales.

5. There is an annual beer festival in Kent

Organised by CAMRA, this year’s Kent Beer Festival is taking place from July 19 - 21 at the Canterbury Rugby Club, Nackington Road, Canterbury, CT4 7BA. There will be bands playing all day, and a huge range of beers to try out.

You can find out more about the festival at www.kentbeerfestival.com.