TWO Winchester breweries have been listed among Britain’s best in a guide to the nation’s beer culture.

The Queen Inn, of Kingsgate Road, and Winnall’s Red Cat brewery and are among five new entries for Hampshire breweries in the Good Beer Guide 2015.

The Red Cat made the grade just five months after its launch.

Owner and brewer Iain McIntosh said: “It’s terrific for us. As a new business starting up it’s difficult to attract customers - getting the name out there is difficult.”

Mr McIntosh, added that his work at Flowerpots brewery in Cheriton introduced him to the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), who produce the guide.

The Red Cat and Queen Inn join MASH in East Stratton, Brewhouse and Kitchen in Portsmouth and Botley’s CrackleRock in Hampshire’s batch of new entries.

The county has 26 breweries and 119 pubs in the guide, with 43 new pubs added this year.

The Good Beer Guide 2015, published on Thursday (September 11), compiles Britain’s best pubs, breweries and beers for real ale drinkers based on independent judgement and recommendations.