When spring finally arrives, our thoughts turn to lighter, more refreshing drinks. And while wine might be our usual wheelhouse at Seven Cellars, there’s something about a crisp, cold lager that hits the spot on a warm day. Whether you're firing up the barbecue, heading to the beach, or just enjoying a lazy afternoon in the garden, a well-made lager is hard to beat.
Lager is more than just a pale beer. It’s defined by the way it’s made: using bottom-fermenting yeast and brewed at cooler temperatures, then stored cold (lagered) for weeks or even months to develop its famously clean, smooth character. It’s a slower, more meticulous process than most ales—and the result is a beer that’s all about balance and clarity.
The style was perfected in Bavaria in the 19th century, long before refrigeration, with brewers using deep caves to ferment and store their beer. Even now, many traditional lagers are brewed in line with the Reinheitsgebot—the German purity law of 1516—which restricts ingredients to just water, barley, hops and yeast. The result? Simple, focused flavours, made with care.
Let’s start with Helles lager—pronounced “hell-us”, and meaning “bright” or “light”. This style is soft, slightly sweet, and incredibly drinkable. We particularly love Augustiner Helles, from one of Munich’s oldest independent breweries, and Tegernseer Hell, a beautifully balanced, slightly floral take from the Bavarian Alps.
For something a little richer, try a Märzen. Traditionally brewed in March and lagered until late summer, Märzen is full-bodied, gently toasty, and endlessly satisfying. We recommend Hacker-Pschorr or Paulaner Märzen—classic examples of the style. Or, for something completely different, try Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen from Bamberg. Made with beechwood-smoked malt, this beer has a bold smoky aroma and flavour that’s reminiscent of cured meats or a bonfire. It’s not for everyone—but if you enjoy smoked cheese or peated whisky, it’s a must-try.
Kellerbier, or “cellar beer”, is another traditional German style—usually unfiltered and naturally cloudy, giving it more texture and character. Rothaus Kellerbier, from the Black Forest, is a brilliant example: bready, herbal, and full of flavour, yet still wonderfully refreshing.
If lager had a sparkling cousin, it would be Kölsch. Brewed in Cologne, Kölsch is technically an ale, but it’s cold-aged like a lager. The result is a pale, lightly fruity beer with elegant bubbles and a dry, delicate finish. Früh Kölsch is one of the best-known examples and is often called the “champagne of lager”—a well-deserved nickname.
Czech lager also deserves more recognition. With its softer bitterness and richer malt body, it offers a slightly different take on traditional lager. We stock beer from Vinohradský Pivovar, a craft brewery in Prague known for using time-honoured techniques like open fermentation and decoction mashing. The result is a creamy, complex, and beautifully balanced beer that proves why Czech brewing still leads the way.
Closer to home, Sussex is producing some excellent lagers too. Try the clean, crisp lager from Beak Brewery, the unfiltered Rustique from Burning Sky, which leans into subtle farmhouse character while still offering that classic lager freshness, or the gluten free malt-forward Lewes Lager from Brighton Brew Co. All are perfect local options for summer sipping.
If you’re after something lighter, we have a few excellent choices. The Radler—popularised by German cyclists in the 1920s—is a 50/50 mix of beer and citrus soda, making it low in alcohol and high in refreshment. The Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Radler is juicy, zesty and just 2.5% ABV, while the pineapple version adds a tropical twist.
We also carry some fantastic low-alcohol craft lagers. Mash Gang’s Stoop Lite is a standout: it’s only 0.5% ABV but tastes like a proper crisp, dry, flavourful lager. Ideal for sunny days when you want all the taste and none of the fog.
So whether you're a lager loyalist or just starting to explore beyond the usual, there’s something here for you. From traditional German brewing to Czech classics and modern Sussex craft, lager is having a well-deserved moment.
Explore our full selection here!
