With the recent announcement of The United Craft Brewers heralding a new era for British brewing, 2015 looks set to become a defining year for this facet of fermentation. As the industry forges around an ever stronger sense of community, we look to Thornbridge, whose own decade-long journey reflects that of the wider craft brewing scene. As they celebrate their tenth anniversary, we delve into their past to discover the origins behind some of the country’s most revered beers.

Between Paris and Portsmouth, we span the cities and explore the surprising beer scenes either side of the channel. As we unearth some of the cities’ best drinking hotspots, we discover the communities that are being forged through the unifying brewing culture.

Continuing the retrospective theme, we raise a goblet to the world’s oldest drink. Ingrained within British history as the beverage of choice, our modern perception of mead remains largely misunderstood. We travel to Wales to meet Tom Newman, one of a handful of mead makers hoping to lead the UK’s mead making renaissance and return it to our glasses once more.

As we enter the festival season, we take a look back at this year’s Liverpool Craft Beer Expo. Through the eye of a lens, Andy Sawyer honestly captures the character and enthusiasm of the ever evolving North West brewing landscape.