Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls
The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) is facing a significant decline in membership and financial losses as independent breweries struggle against multinational competition. The report highlights the cultural importance of traditional cask beer in British pubs amidst a challenging economic climate.
Why it matters
It reflects the broader economic struggle of small-scale traditional businesses against corporate consolidation in the hospitality sector.
‘We have heard of pubs taking off independent beers because they are too popular,’ Camra’s chief executive said. ‘We have heard of pubs taking off independent beers because they are too popular,’ Camra’s chief executive said. Pubs Problems brewing for the proper pint as Camra membership falls Cost of living has hit campaign group while multinationals are threatening to squeeze out independent breweries
Helena Horton Mon 24 Aug 2026 13.01 EDT Last modified on Tue 25 Aug 2026 00.11 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google F or centuries, the wooden real ale pump has been the hallmark of a good British boozer. But now problems are brewing for the proper pint, as the Campaign for Real Ale has seen its membership sink to an eight-year low and its accounts show it is firmly in the red, making an £800,000 loss last year.
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