Justifiably voted the CAMRA Champion Beer of Britain 2002, this has always had a strong following in our pubs. Established in Edinburgh in 1869, the brewery was bought by Vaux in 1919, then saved from closure in 1987 by a management buy-out. Our point of contact is Peter Squires who many will remember as an England and British Lions International, at a time when rugby teams trained on beer and steak rather than isotonic drinks and pasta. Deuchars is a brilliant blend of malt and hop character. Solid gold in colour, the lingering aftertaste is delightfully bitter and hoppy.It has a permanent listing at the Grosvenor Arms.

The history of independent Harvey & Son dates back to the 18th century. The present brewery is a traditional William Bradford Victorian gothic ‘tower’ built in the ancient town of Lewes. A new bit in the same style was added in 1984.

Sussex Bitter is the rural south of England in a glass. It’s brewed with Maris Otter barley and a little crystal malt and no less than four hop varieties from local growers – Fuggles, Bramling Cross, Goldings and Progress – added throughout the brewing process to achieve the distinctive and finely balanced aromas and flavours.

This classic bitter – Champion Best Bitter of Britain 2005 - is one of the brews featured in beer guru Roger Protz’s 300 Beers to Try Before Your Die book; there’s no higher accolade in the temporal world. ‘This is truly magnificent beer, the very best of British,’ says big Rog.

Discerning quaffers around those parts agree. Trouble is – despite a 50,000 barrels-a-year output - the cheeky devils like to keep it to largely to themselves; in the world of Brunning and Price it can be found as a permanent incumbent only at the Black Jug in Horsham.

That’s a great loss to northern throats, but at least it makes a trip down south well worth the effort.