The Source

Two extra special reasons for joy in June - the deliciousness of summer food and Beer Day Britain - national beer day on June 15^th. Combine them and it’s a double dose of joy!

Beer is one of the most diverse drinks with more than 150 defined styles, from ultra-light lagers to hefty imperial stouts. In the beer category there are sweet, sour, bitter, savoury and even salty iterations which means there is probably a beer for everyone. There is certainly a beer to match every season, every dish whether meat, fish, or vegan, and every type of cuisine on the menu. And this includes no and low alcohol beers too.  

Although the received wisdom is that wine is the ‘proper’ match for food and beer is only good to accompany crisps and pizza ignore that because beer suits all versions of dining - fine and casual - it just depends on location, intention, and glassware. 

When pairing beer with food this is a useful mantra to help choose the right match. Co-ordinate, Complement, Cut, or Contrast.

Co-ordinate: Match the beer with the texture and density of food.

Complement: Beer that complements the flavours of the food.

Cut: Choose a beer to cut through texture, flavour, richness, and fattiness of food.

Contrast: Choose a beer that is a complete contrast to the taste of the food. For example, bitter beer with sweet food.



Now we know the guidelines, here are my suggestions of the perfect beer for a selection of summer dishes.

• Asparagus frittata: Wheat beer is a beautiful match for any egg dish because it has a complementary creaminess and is not bitter so it does not overwhelm the flavours of the food.  Wheat beer matches for shellfish too.

• Tomato tart: This savoury dish suits brown ale which has a subtle sweetness and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Cold poached salmon & tarragon mayonnaise: The oily texture of the fish and mayonnaise requires a dry palate beer to cut through the fish. The Saison style fits the bill.

• Bacon and courgette risotto: match with a Scotch ale which has a juicy caramel character that complements the bacon.

Don’t ignore dessert because beer has never met one it did not enhance. Eton Mess is a revelation with a sour fruit beer Gose style which acts as a contrast to the sweetness of the meringue, a complement to the strawberries and with its acidity has a cutting action. Eton Mess and a sour fruit beer would be the star of any picnic.

If you are celebrating Beer Day Britain on June 15^th then please join the National Cheers To Beer at 7pm by raising a glass and saying ‘Cheers To Beer’, then posting a social media message with the hashtag #CheersToBeer. And while you’re at it, why not raise a glass to Britain’s beautiful food too!

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Jane Peyton is a Love British Food ambassador. She is an accredited beer sommelier, drinks educator, author of The Philosophy of Beer, and founder of the School of Booze.