Cheers to International Beer Day: Raise a Glass with Cotswolds' Best Breweries

International Beer Day, celebrated every year on the first Friday of August, is more than just an excuse to crack open a cold one. It’s a global celebration of beer – its brewers, drinkers, and the communities it brings together. From crisp lagers to hazy IPAs, this day is about exploring new flavors, supporting local breweries, and sharing a pint with friends (or strangers who become friends over a pint).

And if you're lucky enough to be in or near the Cotswolds, you're in one of the most scenic beer-loving regions in the UK. Rolling hills, honey-stone villages, and a thriving craft beer scene? Yes, please. Here’s how to make your International Beer Day unforgettable – Cotswolds-style.

🍺 Why Celebrate International Beer Day?

• Appreciate the craft: Celebrate the artistry of brewers around the world.
• Try something new: Expand your beer horizons with styles from different countries or local experiments.
• Share the love: This is a social holiday. Buy someone a pint, talk hops and malts, and support independent breweries.

The Cotswolds are brimming with independent breweries – both heritage names and new disruptors. Here are a few that stand out:

1. Hawkstone Lager – Chadlington

The new kid on the block with a big personality, Hawkstone was co-founded by Jeremy Clarkson and brewed with barley grown on his Diddly Squat Farm. Brewed by the experts at Cotswold Brew Co., Hawkstone Lager has quickly built a cult following – and not just because of the TV connection. It's a genuinely crisp, well-crafted lager with attitude.

Beer to try: Hawkstone Premium Lager – Smooth, bold, and brewed with local ingredients. Surprisingly refined, with a refreshing finish.

“Hard to make, easy to drink” – the Hawkstone motto sums it up.

https://hawkstone.com/pages/our-process

2. Hook Norton Brewery – Oxfordshire

One of the most iconic breweries in the Cotswolds, Hook Norton has been brewing since 1849. Their classic English ales like Hooky and Old Hooky are staples in pubs across the region. Don’t miss a brewery tour – it's one of the few still using a Victorian tower brewery.

Beer to try: Hooky Gold – A smooth, zesty golden ale, perfect for summer sipping.

https://www.hooky.co.uk/

3. North Cotswold Brewery – Shipston-on-Stour

Tucked between Stratford and Moreton-in-Marsh, this small family-run brewery delivers classic cask ales with big character. It’s ideal if you love a solid English bitter or smooth amber ale.

Beer to try: Hung Drawn 'n' Portered – A rich, dark porter with notes of chocolate and coffee.

https://www.northcotswoldbrewery.co.uk/

4. Stroud Brewery – Stroud

Organic, sustainable, and community-driven, Stroud Brewery is a pioneer in eco-conscious beer. Their taproom is a hub for music, events, and serious flavour exploration.

Beer to try: Budding Pale Ale – Light, floral, and a crowd-pleaser.

https://stroudbrewery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorMerOB4HTUcaPFtEDqvySKke0xdje4pvnjDr-qgueCDL3sfb3k

🍻 How to Celebrate International Beer Day in the Cotswolds

• Visit a brewery taproom: Many offer tours, tastings, and special events.
• Create a local beer tasting flight: Pick up a few bottles or cans from different Cotswolds brewers and host a tasting at home or with friends.
• Support local on social: Share your Cotswold beer experience with the hashtag #InternationalBeerDay and tag your favourite breweries.
• Pair local beer with local food: Whether it’s Hawkstone Lager with a Diddly Squat burger or a porter with a local cheese board, the combos are endless.

🌍 A Global Cheers, Rooted in Local Flavour

Beer might be brewed worldwide, but there’s something special about raising a glass in the place it was made. Whether you're sipping a sharp, chilled lager from Hawkstone or enjoying a traditional pint at a village pub, this International Beer Day, let’s toast to local craft, fresh ingredients, and the passionate brewers behind every pint.

Cheers to good beer, good people, and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds! 🍺

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