Pint bridges Britain’s north/south divide

Greene King has developed a pint to bridge Britain’s north/south divide. The new brew called St Edmunds allows drinkers to choose the style of head they prefer at the bar – full and creamy to suit northern punters of smaller and frothier for southern tastes.

Greene King have developed a unique beer engine that caters for a tighter creamier head on your pint or a crowning glory of looser bubbles – dubbed a "north" or a "south".

"To date, cask beer drinkers in the north of England prefer their beer one way while those in the south like it differently, said Greene King Brewery Company managing director Justin Adams. "We wanted people to have a choice while still being able to enjoy the fantastic flavour of a quality cask beer, wherever they are."

St Edmunds has been specially brewed to be served between 6-8 degrees – cooler than traditional cask beers.

"Our brewing and quality team have worked tirelessly over the last 18 months to create a beer that does not throw a chill haze down to 5 degrees," said Adams.

As for the serve, there is a mechanism in the new beer engine which switches the serve styles automatically without the need for bar staff to touch the nozzle, making it more hygienic.

St Edmunds – a name chosen to celebrate Bury St Edmunds, the home of Greene King – is being piloted in pubs from November. The beer also be available to the off trade with listings already secured in Tesco.

Patrick Schmitt, 31.10.07