THE glass appears to be half-full for the North East brewing industry as a result of the Covid crisis, according to the newly published Good Beer Guide 2022.

Contributors to the 49th edition of the beer lover’s bible, published by the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), encourage readers to support their local pubs and breweries as they try to emerge from the pandemic.

A total of 184 pubs in the region merit a privileged mention in the guide, 21 with a first-time listing.

Despite the trying times in the last 18 months there has been no net change in the number of breweries across the North East.

Based on data collected to the end of September, five new regional breweries have opened, with a further five reported to have closed.

Nationally the number of independent UK breweries has risen to 1,902 in 2021, from 1,816 last year.

Copies of the guide, featuring a foreword by singer and publican James Blunt, mein host at Chelsea’s Fox & Pheasant pub, is available from Camra at a reduced rate of £12 for members.

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