Great Food Deserves Great Beer
Finding the perfect beer and food pairing can transform a good meal into a memorable one.
Just like wine, beer offers an incredible variety of flavours, aromas and textures that can complement everything from fresh seafood to rich desserts.
At Yates’ Brewery, we believe every beer has its perfect match. Whether you’re enjoying a traditional pub lunch, firing up the barbecue or celebrating with friends, here’s our guide to pairing some of our favourite beers with delicious food.
Here’s our guide to pairing your favourite Yates’ Brewery beer with great food.
Islander – The All-Round Favourite
Smooth, balanced and wonderfully easy to drink, Islander is a versatile amber ale with notes of caramel, chocolate malt and a satisfying bitter finish.
Perfect Pairings
- Sunday Roast
- Steak & Ale Pie
- Sausages & Mash
- Mature Cheddar Cheese
- Homemade Burgers
The balanced malt profile makes it an excellent partner for traditional British dishes.
Beachcomber Pale Ale – Made for Summer
Light, refreshing and packed with tropical fruit aromas, Beachcomber Pale Ale is made for sunny afternoons.
Perfect Pairings
- Fish & Chips
- Chicken Skewers
- Grilled Prawns
- BBQ Burgers
- Fresh Summer Salads
Its refreshing finish works wonderfully with lighter dishes and seafood, making it an ideal companion for outdoor dining.
Sea Dog – A Taste of the Coast
With aromas of apricot, citrus and biscuit, Sea Dog feels right at home beside the sea.
Perfect Pairings
- Fresh Crab
- Scampi
- White Fish
- Seafood Platters
- Salt & Pepper Squid
Its crisp finish enhances delicate seafood without overpowering it.
Holy Joe – A Little More Adventurous
Holy Joe’s marmalade aromas, sweet biscuit flavours and balanced bitterness make it a brilliant food beer.
Perfect Pairings
- Honey-Glazed Ham
- Roast Pork
- Pulled Pork Burgers
- Mild Curries
- Pork Pies
The combination of malt sweetness and bitterness works particularly well with pork dishes.
Round the Island – Perfect for Relaxed Dining
Round the Island’s crisp finish and citrus hop character make it incredibly versatile.
Perfect Pairings
- Pizza
- Pasta Dishes
- Grilled Chicken
- Charcuterie Boards
- Picnic Lunches
It’s the sort of beer that suits almost any relaxed meal shared with family and friends.
Dark Side of the Wight – Rich Flavours
Dark Side of the Wight is full-bodied, chocolatey and beautifully smooth.
Perfect Pairings
- Slow-Cooked Beef
- Steak Pie
- Venison
- Beef Wellington
- Sticky Toffee Pudding
The roasted malt flavours bring out the richness of hearty comfort food.
Plum Porter – Sweet Meets Savoury
Plum Porter offers rich porter flavours with delicate fruity sweetness.
Perfect Pairings
- Blue Cheese
- Chocolate Brownies
- Christmas Cake
- Roast Duck
- Fruit Crumble
This is also an excellent beer to enjoy after dinner with a cheeseboard.
Old Man Yatesy – A Traditional Favourite
Strong and malty with plenty of character, Old Man Yatesy deserves equally satisfying food.
Perfect Pairings
- Steak
- Game Dishes
- Roast Lamb
- Strong Cheddar
- Beef Stew
A classic beer for classic British cooking.
Isle of Wight Lager – Crisp and Refreshing
Our refreshing Isle of Wight Lager is brewed with Saaz hops for a clean, crisp finish.
Perfect Pairings
- Fish
- Chicken Burgers
- Caesar Salad
- Pizza
- Nachos
Ideal when you’re looking for something light and refreshing.
Hosting Friends?
Create Your Own Beer Tasting
Planning a get-together? Why not choose a selection of Yates’ Brewery beers and match each one with different foods?
Serve lighter beers first before moving on to darker ales and porters, allowing everyone to discover new flavour combinations. It’s a fantastic way to explore the range and find a new favourite.
Discover Your Favourite Pairing
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to pairing beer with food. Everyone’s palate is different, and sometimes the best combinations are the ones you discover yourself.
Whether you’re enjoying fresh seafood by the coast, a Sunday roast with the family or a festive meal with friends, there’s a Yates’ Brewery beer to make every occasion even more enjoyable.
Explore our full beer range, experiment with different pairings and let us know which combinations become your favourites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does beer pair with food as well as wine?
Absolutely. Beer offers a huge variety of flavours, making it an excellent match for everything from seafood and barbecue dishes to rich desserts and cheese.
Which Yates’ Brewery beer goes best with fish and chips?
We recommend Beachcomber Pale Ale or Sea Dog, as both have a crisp, refreshing finish that complements seafood perfectly.
What’s the best beer for a Sunday roast?
Islander is an excellent all-round choice, while Dark Side of the Wight is perfect if you’re serving richer meats such as beef.