Belgian beer invasion takes on Brexit as brewers eye UK market

Brussels

THE UK's impending departure from the European Union (EU) has been blamed for weakening the pound, putting London banking jobs in danger and curtailing economic growth. Now, it's putting at risk a fledgling attempt to bring the complexities of Belgian beer to British drinkers.

20 beer makers from Belgium, which is home to six of the world's 11 Trappist breweries, descended on London last month to showcase their brands at the inaugural Ales Tales Belgian Beer Festival, where they are seeking to strengthen their foothold in the UK market.

More than 1,000 people lined up to taste the hops and barley concoctions just four months after the UK announce…