Cumbria takes its beers to Brussels

The English county of Cumbria is home to what is officially the 'best beer' in the UK and well-known for a vibrant and imaginative craft brewing scene that has produced many other legendary and tasty tipples, writes The Guardian’s Rebecca Smithers. But instead of feeling the need to lure people to the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of the Lake District to sell its wares, the Cumbrian tourist board is next month embarking on its first ever European roadshow – which will include a presentation to the booted and suited bureaucrats of Brussels. Rather grandly dubbed 'The Celebration of Beers from the North West', it is supported by the All-Party Parliamentary Beer Group and will be held at the headquarters of the Brewers of Europe in Brussels next Tuesday, December 4, in conjunction with Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and the Society of independent Brewers. Eleven Cumbrian breweries will wow more than 200 guests, including MEPs, foreign dignitaries, commission officials and influential lobbyists. Perhaps the Belgian beer enthusiasts in Brussels will be invited back to the Lakes at a later date. Now that would be interesting...