MANY would think that when choosing a drink that complements your meal at a restaurant, you would look to the wine list. Now, however, it is not just wine that British people are being picky about.

Following a study by The Society of Independent Brewers, figures have suggested a clear trend towards consumers becoming much more selective in the beer they drink, and which one pairs well with their food.

This was a point echoed by Matt Burden, brewer for Biggar Brewery, based at the Queens Arms, in Biggar Village, Walney.

He believes that the rise in micro-breweries such as his own and how much more discerning people are about their beer is down to the growing knowledge of what goes into their drinks.

He said: "I think a lot of people are getting more knowledgeable about this. It is a response to people who are looking for quality products.

"People are looking for something locally produced and that makes brewers more able to provide.

"There used to be a time where people would ask for a pint of lager and would assume it was the same wherever they went, this is no longer the case."

The study showed that 53 per cent of consumers believed it was important that beer was brewed in the UK, with 46 per cent believing it is important that craft beer is made by smaller breweries rather than larger corporations.

The report has also shown that 24 per cent of women are drinking more beer than they did two to three years ago, compared to 16 per cent among consumers in general.

Chris McDonald, head chef at the King Alfred, in Barrow, said: "In the past I have come across a lot of people who have tried to pair beers with food, it is almost like wine.

"We have tried using beer or real ale in our batter on some of our foods and found that, in particular, real ale has worked very well.

"Beer is a good palate cleanser, we are predominantly a food pub right now and it is really important that the palate is cleansed before a meal."