A REAL ale community has launched a directory of pubs offering takeaway and delivery services amid the current crisis.

According to Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), more than 2,000 pubs, breweries and cider makers are making their products available for takeaway or delivery, including at least 15 in Dorset.

This directory was put together as part of the ‘Pulling Together’ campaign in partnership with the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) and Crowdfunder. The campaign aims to provide drinkers with their favourite tipple, whilst also supporting the industry during these unprecedented times.

Ben Wilkinson, National Director of CAMRA said: “This is the most extensive list out there of safe and legal takeaway and delivery initiatives offering beer and cider around the country. Anyone who loves quality real ale or cider should use this resource to support local businesses, so they’re able to reopen once this crisis has passed. Many pubs are relying on our ongoing support to keep afloat right now, and the best way we can ensure they still exist once the restrictions are lifted is to keep giving them our business.”

To find your nearest pub offering these services by using www.whatpub.com, and to locate local breweries, visit www.camra.org.uk/pullingtogether/ for a searchable map.

CAMRA has also launched the Red On(Lion), a virtual pub enabling people to interact with each other over a drink, to help combat loneliness and feelings of isolation during the lockdown.

The video platform allows patrons to join the public bar for a chat over a beer, along with the option to book a table for private video conferencing between up to four people.

Those wishing to make a visit to the virtual pub can do so at www.theredonlion.co.uk.

Alongside this, consumers can also support their pubs, bars and restaurants through the ‘Pay it Forward’ campaign, which aims to help tide these venues over through the current period of uncertainty by offering customers the option to book meals, a room for the night or a ticket to an event now, with a promise from the venue to deliver in the future.