REAL ale lovers have given their seal of approval to Redditch pubs and breweries following the publication of a latest beer bible.

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) recently launched the 45th edition of the Good Beer Guide which recommends the best pubs in Britain for real ale drinkers.

A total of five pubs from Alvechurch, Feckenham and Redditch feature in the book while breweries Ambridge in Inkberrow and Redditch’s Black Tap also get the CAMRA seal of approval.

The 2018 guide was launched at the newly crowned West Midlands Pub of the Year, Weavers Real Ale House in Kidderminster on September 14.

Beer consultant Brett Laniosh, a former national director for CAMRA, said: “We are delighted to launch the 45th edition of the guide.

“The fact that we have around 1,700 breweries included shows how far we have come since the first edition which only had four.

“The guide is only possible thanks to CAMRA volunteers taking part in reviewing and assessing the quality of the pubs and the beer and huge thanks go to them.

“We have major challenges and pressures in the industry so it is important we keep up our campaigning.”

Guide editor Roger Protz added: “The guide is compiled through independent judgement and recommendations, meaning pubs are chosen on merit alone rather than being charged for an entry, as is the case with many other guides.

“If you have a passion for ale and want to know the best places to find it, then this book can be an invaluable resource for you."

The pubs are: The Weighbridge in Alvechurch, the Rose & Crown in High Street Feckenham, Black Trap Brew Pub in Church Green, Rising Sun in Alcester Street and Rocklands Social Club in Birchfield Road, Headless Cross.