Coniston Brewing Bluebird Bitter

Brewed in the Lake District using soft local water, this pale amber bitter has been around since the mid-90s - and took home Supreme Champion Beer of Britain in 1998. It's clean and dry with a touch of marmalade from English Challenger hops, backed by mellow malt and a crisp finish. No frills, no fuss - just a well-made bitter that still hits the mark.

Coniston Brewery got going in 1995, when Ian Bradley decided to swap the family pub's bar for a brewhouse out back. Tucked away behind the Black Bull in the Lake District, it's where Bluebird Bitter was born - and promptly crowned Champion Beer of Britain a few years later. Since then, they've stuck to what they do best: brewing classic, characterful ales with local water, whole hops and a healthy respect for tradition.