Economy

Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls

TradeNews USA cash-and-futures note (2026-08-24): For centuries, the wooden real ale pump has been the hallmark of a good British boozer. But now problems are brewing for the proper pint, as the Campaign for… Primary source: original at The Guardian (theguardian.com).

August 24, 2026 2:10 PM ET · The Guardian

Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls

For centuries, the wooden real ale pump has been the hallmark of a good British boozer. But now problems are brewing for the proper pint, as the Campaign for Real Ale has seen its membership sink to an eight-year low and its accounts show it is firmly in the red, making an £800,000 loss last year.

Real ale is a traditional draught cask beer, a “living” product that is produced and stored in its cask. It differs from a cold, fizzy lager, in which the yeast is killed and carbon dioxide is added. Real ale contains live yeast so it continues fermenting until it is served.