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Q: Real British Ales
Obvious price hike aside. Where will I be able to find Real British Ales once I am in China? I am not concerned with the other mainstream beers such as Budweiser, Guinness, Stella etc. I enjoy a fine pint of a real fruity, light, dark, hoppy or even citrus beer every once in a while.
To those of you aware of drinks like Moorhouses Pendle Witch, or Thwaites Lancaster Bomber to Timothy Taylor's Landlord, as three fine examples. I assume they will of course be specialist items and at a hefty price to. But I can see myself having some withdrawal issues from them, so perhaps every once in a while I might self indulge. Is it possible to get them, and if so... Please can you tell me where?
Shenzhen will be my first port of call if that helps.
Ohhhh i could just do with a timothy taylor
I have not heard of any uk ales here to be honest, although im in a really small city, we don't even have any pubs here.
I have heard that micro breweries are starting to catch on here, but again not near me.
DaveP84:
I wonder... Does this No food or drink allowed into China also mean no bottled beer?
NiceBrice:
When I flew in my checked luggage contained a 6 pack of bottles. It's not against airport regulations (I don't think), but it may explode all over your clothes if not packed properly. I suggest getting a vacuum sealed bag and putting them in that, wraped in socks.
You will only find the mainstream beers here, at least that's all I've been able to find, and even then its hard to find certain mainstream ones. I'm a cider fan (say what you will) and its impossible to find decent cider. I live in Shanghai btw. You might want to try M&S. They have a large selection of alcohols now but the ciders aren't too great. Didn't look at anything else.
DaveP84:
Why did you mention the cider? Whhhyyyyyyyy? It takes next priority. A bit of Old Rosy, a little Scrumpy Jack or the Saxon Ciders...... Hmmm I have a day off today. I think I might pay a visit home to the Lake District. Lots of real ales up there 
xunliang:
Just talking about it upsets me......I actually really enjoy Kopperberg, but alas, it wasn't meant to be. If you're coming to Shanghai, there are a load of restaurants and bars in Tian zi fang, and they have a lot of beers there, but most of them are from mainland Europe. Again....the ciders are pretty poor. There is a bar on Dingxi road calle Kaiba which has a wide variey of beers too, even a beer club. Didn't mention it before because I just thought of it. Not really sure what they're like thought, other than expensive.
Don't worry about it. Most of the Beer your going to be able to buy is going to be brewed by the British owned InBev corperation.
Dave, I've been here 2 1/2 years and never come across any British beers, real ale or otherwise. Heck I haven't even heard of any 'bitters'. I have come across German imported beers including Dunkel, and Hefeweiss, and that is a real treat.
However, be aware, while Chinese lagers (for they don't make 'beer') vary from rotten to quite good, the 'strongest' I've come across is 3.7% abv, not what most Brits are used to.
As to cider, (my drink of choice in the UK) 
................................... could you bring an apple press with you?
DaveP84:
Yeah I'll just chuck one in my hand luggage...... Or book it a seat lol
We can get Newcastle Brown Ale in Carre Four here. There seems to be more German and Belgium imports than British. I would actually guess maybe Hong Kong would be the best place to find British beers.
Before you fill your bag with alcohol remember to check the rules on having alcohol in the carry on luggage. It's probably OK for Hong Kong, but it's a no no in the mainland.
Remember China has an abundant selection of cheap rice wine to keep you from going sober.
Thanks Scandinavian, but getting drunk is not my intention 
. I just know that I am going to miss some of my favourite beers whilst I am away from home. But I suppose that is a sacrifice I will have to accept in order to fulfill my dream of doing this little adventure.
Scandinavian:
I have been in a couple of good supermarkets in Shenzhen with good sections of imported stuff. Have not been hunting beer there, but you should be hopeful that you can once in a while find a beer to match your taste. And if not, then you can also go to HK for shopping. HK is also a great escape from the craziness of China.
You also have to remember that by the time you arrive, the weather will be warmer than anything the British Isles ever see, and the heat will continue until October. In my mind, on a burning hot day, a light brew like many of the local beers are, is actually OK, more refreshing
