Micro-brewery scoops national accolade

ALE made by a North Yorkshire micro-brewery has been named as the best in Britain.

Tockwith-based Rudgate brewery’s Rudgate Ruby Mild was given the title Champion Beer of Britain 2009 at this year’s Great British Beer festival by Campaign for Real Ale.

The beer, which is slightly stronger than a conventional mild, was praised by judges for its nutty, rich flavour.

The Rudgate brewery employs seven staff and was started on the former Second World War airfield at Tockwith in 1992.

Brewery owner Craig Lee said the award was an “excellent achievement”.

“We hope our beer helps popularise the cause of real ale,” he said.