Badger Beers
Cask ale fans are in for a treat. This year’s line‑up brings together Badger best‑sellers like Fursty Ferret and Golden Glory, limited editions including Winter’s Tale, and a few exciting sneak‑peek beers that haven't launched yet.
From trusted favourites to first tastes fresh from the brewhouse, the cask bar is the perfect place to discover what's pouring now... and what's coming next!
Allergens: Eastern Promise contains Wheat, Oats, Barley and Sulphites. The Spanner contains Malted Barley and Wheat. All other beers contain Malted Barley and may contain Wheat.
Hop Back
Founded in Salisbury in the mid‑1980s, Hop Back are one of the pioneers of the modern British microbrewery movement. Built on a love of traditional cask ale and an uncompromising focus on quality, they've earned a loyal following ever since.
At this year's Dorset Beer Festival, we'll be pouring GFB (Golden Best) on cask; a light, beautifully balanced session ale at 3.4% ABV, brewed with classic English hops for a clean, refreshing finish.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley.
Cerne Abbas Brewery
Nestled in the Cerne Valley and inspired by centuries of local brewing tradition, Cerne Abbas Brewery proudly create characterful ales rooted in place and provenance. Known for their independent spirit and respect for classic brewing methods, they’ve become a firm favourite in Dorset.
Their Dorset Ale - a balanced, easy‑going bitter brewed in true traditional style - will be available on cask at the festival.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley and Wheat.
Dorset Brewing Company
Based close to Dorset’s stunning Jurassic Coast, Dorset Brewing Company is a family‑run brewery dedicated to producing approachable, well‑crafted real ales. With strong local roots and a passion for keeping cask ale accessible and sociable, their beers are designed to be enjoyed pint after pint.
At the festival, we'll be serving Dorset Knob on cask - a zesty, light amber ale that reflects the brewery's straightforward, no‑nonsense approach to brewing.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley and Wheat.
Stone Daisy Brewery
Founded in Wiltshire and inspired by the surrounding countryside, Stone Daisy Brewery brew modern ales with a strong sense of place. Sustainability, local ingredients and thoughtful brewing sit at the heart of everything they do, resulting in beers that are clean, balanced and quietly characterful.
We'll be serving up Cow Down on cask - a light, social pale ale at 3.8% ABV, brewed to be refreshing, sessionable and easy to return to.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley.
Palmers Brewery
Founded in Bridport in 1794, Palmers are one of Britain's oldest independent family breweries, still brewing in their historic riverside home. With a deep respect for tradition and time‑honoured methods, their beers are a true expression of classic English ale brewing.
At the festival, we'll be pouring Tally Ho! on cask - an award-winning dark strong ale with deep fruit cake flavours.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley.
St Austell Brewery
Founded in Cornwall in 1851, St Austell Brewery has built a reputation for crafting characterful beers that balance tradition with a modern edge. Rooted in the South West, their brewing is shaped by a sense of place; combining coastal influence, quality ingredients, and over 170 years of expertise.
We'll be pouring Proper Job on cask at the festival - an authentic IPA known for its vibrant citrus, grapefruit and pineapple flavours, crisp bitterness and clean, refreshing finish.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley.
Sixpenny Brewery
Sixpenny Brewery brews traditional beers with a focus on quality ingredients and proper pint appeal. Their flagship 6d Best is a classic Best Bitter made with English Maris Otter barley and English hops, delivering all the balance, character and drinkability you'd expect from a well-crafted cask ale.
At the Dorset Beer Festival, you'll find 6d Best on the bar - deep copper in colour, with a rounded malt character, gentle biscuit and caramel notes, and a clean, satisfying bitterness through to a smooth, moreish finish.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley and Wheat.
Timothy Taylor's
Brewed in the heart of Yorkshire since 1858, Timothy Taylor's has built a reputation on precision, balance and a deep respect for traditional cask brewing. Their beers are defined by clarity of character and timeless drinkability.
We'll be serving Landlord at this year's Dorset Beer Festival. Expect a classic amber pale ale - bright citrus and gentle fruity notes up front, followed by a smooth malt body and a clean, lingering bitterness.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley.
Theakston
With nearly two centuries of independent, family brewing heritage, Theakston is synonymous with Yorkshire character and full-flavoured, traditional ales. Their beers are rich, distinctive and rooted in time-honoured techniques.
We'll be pouring Old Peculier at this year's festival. Expect a deep, full-bodied ale layered with rich fruit notes and subtle hints of cherry. Complex, characterful and unmistakably Theakston.
Allergens: Contains Malted Barley and Wheat.
Cub Brewery
Cub Brewery brings a mix of modern flavour and easy-drinking character, brewing beers that dial up both refreshment and personality across a range of styles.
At the Dorset Beer Festival, you'll find Centre Court - a crisp, fruity summer beer with citrus and berry notes; Lupy Lu - a naturally opaque, soft and fruit-forward beer brewed with innovative UK hops; and Walnut Porter - a smooth, rounded porter with roasted malt character and a gentle nutty richness.
Allergens: Lupy Lu contains Malted Barley, Wheat and Oats. Centre Court and Walnut Porter contain Malted Barley and may contain Wheat.
The Barking Cat Brewing Company
A modern, small-batch brewery based in Poole, Dorset, focused on pushing bold, hop-forward styles; Barking Cat are all about flavour and a playful approach to contemporary brewing.
At the 2026 Dorset Beer Festival, we'll be serving Feline Fusion DDH NEPA. Expect a hazy New England Pale Ale packed with juicy citrus and tropical notes, softened by a creamy body. Smooth, vibrant and seriously drinkable.
Allergens: Contains Barley, Wheat, Oats and Lactose.