UK: An ale brewed in Sheffield was named the best beer in Britain on August 3. Pale Rider, from Kelham Island Brewery, was chosen as the overall winner by a panel of judges on the first day of the Great British Beer Festival at Olympia, west London. It beat more than 50 finalists in eight categories, including beers from microbreweries and big regional brewers, according to The Guardian.

Paul Ward, the head brewer at the Kelham Island Brewery, said: "I'm gobsmacked. I thought the beer would do well, but to win is amazing." Roger Protz, one of the judges and the editor of the Good Beer Guide, said: "The judges were struck by the superb balance of malt, hops and fruit. "A wonderfully complex and refreshing beer."

The silver award went to IPA from Greene King, and the bronze went to Ironside from the Hampshire Brewery. The festival runs until Saturday.

04 August, 2004