A Suffolk-based beer and pub expert has helped to pick the nation’s best beer.

Frances Brace deployed her niche knowledge of the pub industry yesterday as a judge in the grand final of the Sainsbury’s Great British Beer Hunt at Oxo Tower in London.

Twelve beers reached the finals of the competition. The winner was Batemans B Bock, which was described by Brace as “malty, strong and full of character”, and will go on sale in 300 Sainsbury’s stores.

Frances, of Red Flame Communications, also served as a judge at the Champion Beer of Britain Awards and the Norfolk Food and Drink Awards earlier this year.

“The Great British Beer Hunt is highly regarded throughout the brewing industry so relished the idea of being involved,” said Frances.

“The panel tried some of the best bottled beers in the country, judging them on appearance, aroma, flavour, mouthfeel and aftertaste. Brewing is one of the things that Britain does well and East Anglia does extraordinarily well.”