Arkells

Kingsdown Brewery, Swindon SN2 7RU (01793 823026) Website

Founded by John Arkell in 1843, Arkell's is Swindon's oldest company. The brewery grew at the same time as the Great Western Railway was developing and now has 97 pubs, as well as a thriving brewing business. It remains a family firm with James Arkell now managing director and deputy chairman.

Regular beers: 2B (3.2%), 3B (4%), Bees Organic Ale (4.5%), Kingsdown Ale (5%), Moonlight (5%)

Seasonal beers: Noel Ale (5.5%), James' Real Ale (3.6%), Mash Tun Mild (3.5%), Peter's Porter (4.8%), Summer Ale (4.2%), Yeomanry Bicentenary Ale (5%)