Discover the joy of National Beer Day 2026 with Greene King
There are few things in life that beat the simple pleasure of a perfectly poured pint. The cold glass glistening with tiny droplets of condensation, the amber bubbles swirling inside, and the frothy head crowning the pint like a fluffy cloud.
It's such a beloved beverage that it even has its own celebration, with National Beer Day marked annually on June 15th.
At Greene King, we're serious about beer, and for National Beer Day 2026, we've got plenty of ways to say cheers to beer!
What is National Beer Day and when is it celebrated?
When it comes to drinks worthy of a toast, few can match a good beer. And beer lovers across England can come together on June 15th, 2026, to celebrate the annual National Beer Day.
It’s the perfect occasion to raise a glass with friends, with tradition suggesting a toast at 7pm. And with this year’s date falling on a Monday, we think that’s the perfect excuse to kick off the week on a good note.
We’ll be marking National Beer Day at Greene King pubs across England and the UK, so be sure to join us!
How did National Beer Day begin in Britain?
You might assume this national holiday has decades of history, but National Beer Day is just 11 years old, and was first celebrated in 2015.
The celebration, marked across the United Kingdom, was started by Jane Peyton, who is a beer sommelier, writer, and drinks educator.
June 15th was selected as the date, as it’s when the Magna Carta was sealed in 1215, with ale getting a special mention under Clause 35.
The clause read: “Let there be throughout our kingdom a single measure for wine, ale, and corn.”
How can you celebrate National Beer Day with Greene King?
We know the power of a good pint, so let us play host on National Beer Day 2026. Stop by your local Greene King and raise a glass at 7pm for a National Cheers! Can’t make it then? Don’t worry, our celebrations run all day and night, so stop by whenever you can on the 15th or any day you like!
We've got plenty of beers on tap, as well as wines, spirits, and cocktails. Check out our drinks menu to see the full offering.
If you're feeling peckish, grab a dish from our pub food menu. With pub classics, seasonal staples, and tempting puddings, there's plenty to pair with your pint.
What is beer?
Beer has a rich history that dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who would mash partially germinated barley and mix it with water before allowing it to ferment. Beer is so old, it's thought to predate other alcoholic drinks, such as wine.
The Middle Ages were a key time for beer brewing, as by the 7th century, plenty of monasteries in Europe started to brew on a larger scale. In fact, Greene King's iconic brewery in Bury St Edmunds uses the chalk wells used by the Benedictine monks of St Edmund over 1000 years ago.
Traditionally, beer is made from four key ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. The brewing process begins by mashing malted barley to extract sugars, before boiling the liquid with hops to add bitterness and aroma. Yeast is then added to ferment the sugars, creating alcohol and carbonation.
Historically, ale referred to a brew made without hops, while beer included hops. Today, hops are nearly universal, so “ale” now generally refers to beer produced by top fermentation, a process in which the yeast floats on the surface of the liquid.
What are the different types of beer and what flavour will I enjoy the most?
Everyone's palate is different, so it's best to have a sample of everything and see what you enjoy the most. Here are the main types of beer:
Lager
A popular pick, this crisp, clean beer offers a refreshing sip.
Pale ale
A hoppy choice that’s light on colour but full of flavour. It has a slightly bitter edge and a distinctive golden hue.
IPA (India Pale Ale)
A slightly more intense flavour than a pale ale, and usually a higher alcohol level, it’s bold, fruity, and delicious!
Stout
With dark and velvety notes, a stout is a tempting order. At Greene King, we serve up Belhaven Black and the classic Guinness.
Bitter
Earthy and malty flavours combine with a hint of hoppy bitterness to create this refreshing pint.
What beers can you enjoy at Greene King?
With over 200 years of brewing history, we’ve certainly learned a thing or two about British beer, and we’re proud of our range, from rich ales to crisp, light lagers.
From our Greene King range, you can enjoy our Greene King IPA, which is our flagship beer and has 100% natural hops for a clean and refreshing taste. Our Abbot Ale has been a popular pick since the '50s, while the Ice Breaker Pale Ale has fruity flavours perfect for a summer's day.
Not drinking? We've got plenty of low and no-alcohol options that offer the same hoppy high with none of the headache.
Whatever your taste, there's a pint to be poured!
Beer myths debunked
You might love beer, but how well do you really know your favourite tipple? With so many myths surrounding this ancient drink, how much of what you think you know is actually true?
Dark beers are stronger
It’s a common belief that the darker the beer, the stronger the taste. But in reality, dark beers can actually be lighter in alcohol than pale ones.
Non-alcoholic beer tastes bad
Such a misconception! Non-alcoholic beers have come a long way in the past few years, and they're genuinely delicious. So whether you're trying to cut down, acting as the designated driver or going sober, you can still cheers with an alcohol-free pint.
Beer isn't meant to be paired with fine dining food
When we think of food pairings, we may think of rich red wines or crisp whites. But beer pairs beautifully with so many dishes. A pale ale goes great with dishes like burgers or fish as the flavour cuts through any richness. An IPA goes so well with a curry, while a stout can really enhance the flavours of a chocolatey dessert or smoked meats.
Join us for National Beer Day 2026
Want to celebrate National Beer Day 2026 on June 15th with drinks near you? Get ready for plenty of cheers at your local Greene King.
We've got delicious British food dishes on our menu, as well as a fully-stocked bar with pints aplenty.
To find the best pubs to celebrate National Beer Day near you simply enter your postcode in our handy pub finder. Cheers!