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Summer Sips: Cool, crisp and crafted in Hampshire
There's something about a sunny Hampshire afternoon that just calls for a cold drink in hand, often a beautifully chilled beer or cider.
Hampshire's growing craft brewing and cider-making scene has passionate producers putting the county firmly on the map.
Whether you prefer a traditional ale, a crisp golden beer, sparkling cider made like Champagne, or refreshing low and no-alcohol options, there's something for every taste.
Best of all, you can find them all, along with hundreds more, in our Local Produce Guide, available in print or online at
Blackmoor (Image: Natasha Dochniak)Blackmoor
Blackmoor Orchards makes full juice ciders from handpicked apples grown on Blackmoor Estate.
Fresh Blackmoor cherries are also used in their fruit ciders.
The traditional method Gospel Green ciders made in the same way as Champagne are a great alternative to a sparkling wine or prosecco.
Bowman Ales
Swift One was Bowman Ales' first beer back in 2006 and remains their best seller.
This 3.8% golden ale packs surprising flavour for its strength, using 100% pale ale malt with just one aroma and one bittering hop.
Simple yet satisfying, it pairs beautifully with roast pork, sausages, or strong curries, though it's equally good on its own.
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Chalkdown Cider
Made like Champagne but with English apples, Chalkdown is an elegant alternative to prosecco.
Its delicate apple flavour and biscuity character make it perfect as an aperitif or with cured meats, cheese, or fish and chips.
Twice winner of Best Sparkling Cider in the World at the International Cider Challenge, this is a flute-worthy sip.
Flack's Brewery, Romsey
Flack's beers use the traditional 'Double Dropping' technique, creating distinctive brews from premium local ingredients.
Favourites include Double Drop, a 3.4% session bitter; Romsey Gold, a crisp golden ale; and New Forest, a classic IPA.
Visit the brewery taproom and look out for seasonal ales throughout the year.
Hydes Cyder
The original Hydes Cyder is lightly carbonated, medium-dry 5% cider with fresh apple and citrus aromas, while Hydes Lyte offers the same bold flavour without the alcohol, and fewer calories than broccoli no less!
Both are gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and perfect chilled or over ice with cured meats, tapas, or a spicy curry.
Powder Monkey with Local Produce Guide (Image: Natasha Dochniak)Powder Monkey Brewing Co., Gosport
Powder Monkey's Shiney Things West Coast Pale Ale was inspired by a new single from Hampshire country artist Kate Harding.
Find it on tap at their Gosport Tap House and in local music venues, the perfect pairing for a summer gig.
The Flower Pots Brewery
Brewed to celebrate PotsFest, Festival is an easy-drinking golden ale (3.4%) with marmalade sweetness and floral aromas.
It's the beer to enjoy at PotsFest – a free, family-friendly weekend of beer, music, and food in Cheriton from 22–24 August.
And there's more…
Alfred's Brewery produces bold, modern beers in Winchester; Dummer Down Brewery crafts traditional ales from the Hampshire countryside; Pig Beer brews small-batch beers in the New Forest with home-grown hops; Steam Town Brew Co., Eastleigh's railway-inspired brewery, creates inventive craft brews.
Food & Drink - A Perfect Match
Beer and cider aren't just for sipping – they're brilliant with food.
A crisp golden ale pairs beautifully with grilled fish or a summer salad, while a rich stout loves chocolate desserts.
Sparkling cider is natural with cheese, pork, or seafood.
My guilty pleasure?
A cold, hoppy IPA with a spicy burger on a warm evening.
So, whether you're stocking up for a barbecue, planning a picnic, or just treating yourself, raise a glass to Hampshire's brewers and cider-makers.
They're passionate, skilled, and ready to make your summer tastier.
Cheers!
