A SESSION bitter brewed in Furness was named the best in Britain by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA's). 

Logan Beck Brewing, near Broughton, received gold for its Proper Bitter (4% ABV) by the judges of CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain 2024. 

The category and overall winners were announced at Kelham Hall Beer and Cider Festival, in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

According to the CAMRA tasting notes, Proper has 'a sweet malty start with some roast pleasant hops and a lasting bitter finish.' 

In its session bitter category, it beat Mighty Oak Brewing Co's Captain Bob and Windsor and Eton Brewery's Guardsman to the top spot. 

Owner Alex Douglas only set up Logan Beck Brewing six years ago. He entered the Champion Beer of Britain awards after winning CAMRA's north-west regional competition judged by regional delegates. 

Judging for the competition takes two years to complete, starting with individual nominations from CAMRA members and tasting panel nominations, then regional competitions. Each round of judging uses a strict blind tasting policy.

The north-west competition earlier this year had a strong showing from Furness-based breweries, with Ulverston Brewing Co's Laughing Gravy coming second in the bitters category. 

Townhouse Brewery in Dalton came third place in the mild category for Meg's Mild. 

READ MORE: Ulverston restaurant 'really proud' after award nomination

The overall Champion Beer of Britain was Crouch Vale's Amarillo. Crouch Vale is an independent brewery based in South Woodham Ferrers, Essex. 

Mr Douglas said after winning the regional competition that while Covid 'killed off small breweries' there's 'very strong local support.

"The high levels of tourism are quite useful," he added. "You get a lot of visitors in. Drinkers come to us - saves on the transport costs."

Pubs that Mr Douglas regularly supply to include The Manor (Broughton), The Blacksmiths Arms (Broughton), The Devonshire (Millom), The Devonshire Arms (Ulverston), Old Friends (Ulverston) and the Greyhound Inn (Eskdale). 

CAMRA's awards director Laura Emson said: "These awards cannot happen without the incredible work of volunteers that give up their time to see a worthy winner crowned. This process begins with CAMRA members nominating their favourite tipples and ends with a decision from a highly experienced and professional judging panel."