THREE pubs in Oxford are to host an annual celebration of the UK’s best beer.

The Eagle and Child in St Giles, The Crown in Cornmarket Street and The Chequers in High Street are to host the National Beer Showcase from Monday until October 22.

The pubs run by Nicholson’s will feature 28 limited-edition craft beers and regional specialties.

And there will be a series of events throughout the six-week celebration, including guest talks from beer sommeliers and breweries, workshops, tasting sessions and competitions.

A spokesman for Nicholson’s said: “Ale lovers will be spoilt for choice.

“Kicking off the celebrations will be six tailor-made District Beers, including Fire & Water, Campbell’s Ramble and Harvest Hop.

“The action won’t stop there – Nicholson’s Beer Showcase will have a big social media presence thanks to takeovers from breweries with weekly giveaways and great prizes. “Nicholson’s very own app will also give users access to special offers and exclusive content throughout the showcase.”

Special offers and prizes will include tasting sessions with Scottish brewers Brewdog, and Homebrew Club Q&A workshops with Marston’s Beer Buffs.

The Eagle and Child pub was a favourite of literary group The Inklings, which featured Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien and Narnia creator CS Lewis.

Beer drinkers can follow @Nicholsonspubs on social media to find out how to enter the competitions.