INSULAR Art has been named the official beer of the Lindisfarne Gospels’ return to the North-East.

The Sonnet 43 Brew House ale was chosen for the honour by a judging panel including celebrity chefs The Fabulous Baker Brothers following a battle of the beers at last weekend’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival.

Its name refers to the Gospels’ elaborate style and its brewers took inspiration from the renowned Lindisfarne Mead.

Michael Harker, head brewer at Sonnet 43, in Coxhoe, County Durham, said: “I was very pleased to win, especially being a new brewery up against some other very established and respected local breweries.

“From receiving the brief, we all felt the beer needed to recreate key flavours of the famous Lindisfarne Mead, so we used herbal hops and honey within the fermentation and I’m proud to say herbal, spice and honey notes really shine through the beer.”

The Lindisfarne Gospels will be on display in Palace Green Library, Durham, from July 1 to September 30. Tickets are on sale now, at lindisfarnegospels.com Insular Art beer will be on sale at selected Durham pubs and the exhibition gift shop.