Cheers to Craft Beer: Celebrating National Beer Day in Walton
Craft beer has taken the world by storm in recent years, becoming the go-to choice for those who value flavour, creativity, and community spirit in their pint. Here in Walton-on-Thames, this trend has found its perfect match in local pubs like The Bear, The George, The Regent and The Walton Village. Each offers unique selections of craft beer, creating the perfect environment to celebrate National Beer Day on June 15th.
What is Craft Beer, and Why is it So Popular?
At its core, craft beer is about quality over quantity. It’s brewed by small, independent producers who focus on unique flavours and innovative techniques, often experimenting with bold ingredients or traditional methods to create beers that stand out. Unlike mass-produced beers, craft beer offers diversity—whether you prefer a citrusy IPA, a rich stout, or a crisp lager, there’s a brew for every taste.
The rise of craft beer reflects a broader trend toward appreciating artisanal products and supporting local businesses. People are increasingly interested in knowing where their food and drink comes from, and craft beer’s connection to its roots—be it the local brewery or the unique story behind each brew—makes it an appealing choice.
A Pint of Surrey History
Surrey has a long history of brewing, with its green fields and clean water sources providing an ideal environment for beer production. Historically, small breweries thrived across the county, serving fresh ales to local pubs and communities. Although many of these disappeared with the rise of industrial-scale brewing, the craft beer movement has sparked a renaissance.
Today, Surrey is home to several microbreweries producing award-winning beers that blend traditional techniques with modern twists. From the hoppy brews of Hogs Back Brewery in Tongham to the innovative creations of Big Smoke Brew Co. in Esher, the county is a hotbed of craft beer creativity. Not forgetting our own local Engine River Brew Co. a nano-brewery nestled on the banks of the Engine River and the fields of the Old Dairy farm in Weybridge
Where to Celebrate National Beer Day in Walton
National Beer Day is the perfect excuse to explore some of Walton’s finest pubs, each with its own take on craft beer. Whether you’re after a new favourite or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere, these local gems offer a range of options to satisfy any beer lover.
The Bear
The Bear has been a staple of Walton on Thames for many years, a favourite among the local community for the family friendly atmosphere and the place that you can eat, drink, relax and unwind. They have recently implemented a new IPA, by Camden Brewery, which is already a new favourite among visitors.
We asked John, the Manager of the Bear, what makes The Bear unique and he told us:
“At The Bear, we are a family and it carries into how we operate. We keep things simple, we know the reasons our customers new and old, come to The Bear, and we make sure they’re happy. If it’s a game of pool, a cheeky catch up in the sunny garden, a trip to fill your stomach or quick chat with one of our friendly bar tenders as you’re passing by, we’ve got you covered!”
When asked what makes their drinks selection unique, he shared:
“Our drinks selection is customer driven – we will always listen out for new ideas and look to make sure we’re ready to cover any requirement. As you mentioned, we’ve recently implemented a new IPA, by Camden Brewery. We offer personal favourite white and red wines available by the glass or bottle, and of course prosecco options that will be a forever favourite. Cocktails have been implemented into our bar recently, we now don’t know how we did summer without them – the Turbo Pimms is one of our favourites!”
The George
This traditional pub combines classic charm with a contemporary flair, providing a welcoming atmosphere and an outstanding selection of beers. Whether you prefer hoppy IPAs or smooth ales, you’ll find something that caters to your taste. At The George, you can catch all the Sky Sports action, and don’t miss their regular live music nights on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Regent
This Sports Bar themed pub, owned by Stonegate Pubs, is a sports enthusiasts dream, it has plenty of screens and a pool table. They serve a wide variety of international brands, as well as some craft beers and ales.
The Walton Village
A haven for craft beer lovers, The Walton Village boasts a selection of 30 bottled beers from across the globe and six rotating draught options—including local ales.
Their Favourite Beer is Tongham TEA (Traditional English Ale) from Hogs Back that we always have on pump. It’s a fantastically floral and balanced bittery kind of ale, that really highlights how special the uniquely-British cask beer is.
International brand: Hofmeister Helles lager! Some lovely young British chaps bought the old defunct brand (Follow the Bear!) and a brewery in Bavaria and turned it into a fantastic independent lager that comes in an awesome stein glass.
On “Mondale Mondays,” all cask ale pints are just £3.95, making it a great time to try something new.
We asked General Manager, Ned how The Walton Village will be celebrating National Beer Day:
“Father’s Day and Beer Day on the SAME DAY?
No brainer: Free beer for Dad. We’re giving every dad/father figure a free pint of Pravha, TEA (or Inch’s but that isn’t beer…) when they eat as part of a booking.”
Why Craft Beer Matters to the Community
Craft beer isn’t just about the drink itself; it’s about the people and stories behind it. Local breweries and pubs like these contribute to the community by supporting small producers, creating jobs, and fostering a sense of connection. Every pint tells a story—whether it’s the tale of a family-run brewery or the inspiration behind a creative recipe.
So, this National Beer Day, why not pop into one (or all!) of these fantastic Walton pubs for a chat about craft beer and to sample a glass or two? Whether you’re sampling a local ale, discovering a global gem, or simply enjoying the company of friends, craft beer offers a world of flavour to explore—and Walton is the perfect place to start. Cheers!