The number of British drinkers trying real ale for the first time has increased by 40 per cent in the past few years, while 200 new breweries have opened, a study shows.

The Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) said there were now over 800 breweries in the UK, reflecting a “surge” of interest in real ale.

Camra said its research also revealed that the number of breweries in London had doubled since 2006 to 14, with another five being developed.

Colin Valentine, chairman of Camra, said: “It’s strange to think that at the turn of the 21st century, the real ale market was in decline, and many predicted a further downturn in fortunes.

“Yet in the present day, real ale brewing is recognised as one of the most vibrant areas of the small business sector, and we now enjoy more brewers than at any time since the end of World War II.

“There are promising times ahead for the industry when a new era of discerning consumers are demanding quality products that are locally produced and represent good value for money.

“The fact that many brewers in the current climate are reporting record like for like sales increases shows this renewed interest is not about to end,” he said.

Des de Moor, author of London’s Best Beer, Pubs and Bars, said: “Although London’s groundswell of exciting new brewers may not yet reach the production levels of the post-Victorian era when in 1905 the capital’s brewers produced almost a billion pints, the city’s brewing industry is once again revered for its innovation and craft.”

The research was published ahead of Camra’s Great British Beer Festival, which opened in London’s Earls Court yesterday.