A brewery based in Penzance has been named the Champion Beer of Britain for 2025.

The award is a huge win for Penzance Brewing Company’s product, Mild, putting both the team and their traditional dark mild in the national and international spotlight.

The family-run brewery was established in 2008 by the then owner, Peter Elvin, who designed and built the five-barrel plant in the old stable block of the Star Inn. In full production the brewery now exceeds 1,400 barrels a year, supplying well over 25 selected outlets.

The competition takes two years to complete, with blind tastings across local, regional, and national rounds by expert judges and Campaign for Real Ale's (CAMRA) members. CAMRA have been campaigning for pubs, pints and people since 1971.

Lewis Elliott and Richard Hickman, both of Penzance, said: “It’s quite overwhelming. I'm really glad the style has come back. It’s down to the founder of our brewery Peter Elvin and his nephew Rob, who showed me the ropes. I can’t believe we are here right now, it’s mad!”

CAMRA's awards director, Gary Timmins, added: “I’m over the moon for Penzance, with Mild being a deserving Champion Beer of Britain. From CAMRA members nominating their favourites, through to those tough regional rounds, to the final panel of judges, this is a vigorous and fiercely independent competition, and Mild has come out on top.

“I hope everyone will join me on the Great British Beer Festival floor where you can try all our final twelve beers, each one is top quality, and each brewer deserves a congratulations in their own right.”

St Austell’s Proper Job also secured Gold in the Champion Bottled Beer of Britain category, which helped make it a fantastic day for Cornish beer.