Number of UK breweries rises by 64% in five years

The number of breweries in the UK has broken the 2,000 barrier for the first time since the 1930s, increasing by 64% in the past five years, according to the latest figures from accountancy firm, UHY Hacker Young.

Between 2015 and 2016, the number of UK breweries has risen by 18% from 1,692 to 1,994. Since 2012, the number has risen by 64% from 1,218.

UHY Hacker Young has attributed the increase both to the UK craft beer boom and to the tax break afforded to micro-breweries that brew less than 5,000 hectolitres, and subsequently pay 50% less duty.

In 2016 alone, a large number of craft breweries were founded including Toast Ale that makes beer using unwanted bread, gluten free microbrewery Bellfield Brewery and….