Ben's Beer Blog

We’re celebrating International Beer Day with some top picks from our range!  

According to CGA research, beer now accounts for 50% of drinks share in the on-trade. It’s the number one category customers are opting for, and the number two category customers perceive as good value for money.  

The trending shift towards earlier daytime drinking occasions has helped beer’s popularity grow, with 81% of customers saying they’re more likely to choose it during lunchtime, in the afternoon or for early evening sessions. 

Whether it’s world lagers or homegrown brews, poured from the tap or chilled from the fridge, our love for this favourite tipple shows no sign of slowing down soon. In celebration of all things hops and malts, here’s five of my top beers from the Matthew Clark portfolio.  

Menabrea  

The world lager category holds 41% of lager sales volumes in the on-trade, with draught leading the way as the most popular choice. As 34% of drinkers seek a world beer when searching for something new, there’s a great opportunity to tap into this taste of adventure by introducing some tasty brews from around the globe into your venue.   

Perfect for bringing some Italian flair to your venue, Menabrea meets the demand for premium, world lagers. Family-owned for five generations, this tasty Italian Birra was created in 1846 in Biella, Italy.  

The Menabrea Bionda is well-balanced, with floral hops and a gentle malt finish. Personally, I love the non-alcoholic counterpart, Menabrea 0.0, which offers the same authentic Italian experience and equally refreshing taste.  

Peroni Nastro Azzurro  

Italy’s distinctive, intensely crisp and refreshing Peroni Nastro Azzurro is a powerhouse of premium lager. Created to reflect the elegance of 1960s Italy, an era defined by fashion and film, Peroni’s commitment to its style and sophistication makes it easily recognisable and a must-have in modern bars.   

I’m a big fan of Peroni Nastro Azzurro. Its premium ties, distinctive glassware, and elegant bottles always elevate the drinking experience. It delivers on quality while also, of course, delivering a delightful sip every time.  

I can’t forget to mention Peroni 0.0 - a standout for me as it maintains everything I love about Peroni, just minus the alcohol! As low and no alcohol beer is the fastest growing beer sub-category, offering a range of options for your punters who are cutting back, whether it be for health reasons, for being the designated driver, or simply as a matter of choice is key to keep drawing the crowds in.  

Hawkstone  

As 68% of consumers in Britain say they are trying to lead an environmentally friendly lifestyle, introducing some homegrown brews to your bar will meet this demand as produce from closer to home is viewed as more environmentally and socially responsible.  

Made with barley sourced from Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm in Oxfordshire, and brewed at Hawkstone Brewery in the Cotswolds, Hawkstone Premium Lager is fast becoming a staple in bars across the UK.  It’s also proving itself among global brands, taking home gold at the World Beer Awards 2024 alongside claiming the Great Taste Award.   

Hawkstone Premium Lager ticks all the boxes for me: great taste, strong local credentials, and serious rising-star energy. Made here in the UK with locally sourced ingredients, it taps into the ‘buy local’ movement. And as one of the fastest-growing beer brands in Britain, it’s a standout that’s sparking interest among customers across the country.  

Asahi Super Dry  

A shining star in the premium world lager category, Asahi Super Dry is an iconic Japanese lager that is increasingly growing in popularity and is certainly one of my favourites.   

First created in 1987, this beer is designed to be – as it’s named – super dry. Crafted using advanced Japanese techniques like specialised fermentation conditions and unique brewing control technology, Asahi achieves its clean, crisp and dry flavours that we all know and love. Personally, I think its light body and umami flavours make it a great beer to enjoy on its own or alongside a meal with friends.  

Fuller’s London Pride   

A staple of the British pub experience, cask ale makes up 10% of the UK beer category, with cask drinkers visiting pubs 29% more frequently than the average customer. 

Crafted on the banks of the River Thames, Fuller’s London Pride is a homegrown favourite - one of the best-loved and most recognisable premium ales in the country. With its distinctive flavour, heritage status, and strong performance in bars nationwide, it’s a brand that’s maintained a loyal fanbase over the years. 

I love seeing familiar names when I visit pubs, and London Pride is always a standout. It’s a great, easy-drinking beer that delivers every time. 

If you’re interested in stocking up on any of these brilliant brews and more, be sure to visit Matthew Clark Live. Alternatively, you can speak with your Account Manager to discuss ranging options that will suit your venue.