It's National Beer Day, but before you head out into the sun for a barbecue and a pint tonight, it turns out, much like wine, certain beers go better with some dishes than others. To make sure you're enjoying the right drink with your supper, here's UK dining club Gourmet Society's guide to which beers go with what.

1. Pale Ale

 

Double no trouble – The Louisiana special stacked with two Cajun-rubbed beef patties at #Bank. Cheers for the great shot @stuff_adam_eats. 📸👌🍔

A post shared by Honest Burgers (@honestburgers) on Jun 12, 2017 at 3:47am PDT

Brewed with more lightly roasted 'pale' malts, pale ales typically have a more equal malt-to-hop balance. This beer is great paired with pub classics, like burgers, pork pies and fish and chips.

STORY: The surprising way you could be ruining the taste of your wine

2. English Bitter

 

It's a long weekend – Make sure you bank yourself a Porterhouse.

A post shared by Hawksmoor (@hawksmoorrestaurants) on Apr 14, 2017 at 8:25am PDT

Golden to copper in colour and light bodied, the hoppy bitterness is moderate to strong. Team this drink with slightly heavier dishes, like steak and ale pie, a slab of steak on the barbecue, or hearty roast chicken.

3. Lager

 

Thanks for the photo @theadventuresofemmaboyes

A post shared by FRANCO MANCA (@francomancapizz) on Jun 8, 2017 at 4:09am PDT

A traditional favourite, try lagers such as Heineken, Budweiser, or Peroni with meals that pack a flavour punch, including pizza, grilled fish or spicy tandoori dishes.

4. IPA

 

Mangalorean food is so delicious, yet still largely undiscovered on this side of the world! This Prawn Ghassi dish is ideal for busy cooks and packed full of flavour. All you need is some prawns, turmeric, coriander, fenugreek and cumin seeds, chillies, grated coconut, onions, garlic, ginger and tamarind paste. Best served with rice or dosas. #TheSpiceTailor #AnjumAnand

A post shared by The Spice Tailor (@thespicetailor) on Mar 28, 2017 at 8:43am PDT

Part of the pale ale family, IPAs are super refreshing, so make a great foil for spicy curries, chilli sausages or anything fiery and distinctive.

5. Stout and Porter

 

#recipeoftheday Salted Chocolate Tart Incredibly easy to make, and so very, very easy to eat. Photograph by @nordljus And you can get the recipe by clicking on link in profile #chocolate #saltedchocolate #nobakedessert #dessert #sweet #instagood #instafood #food #foodgram #recipe #recipes

A post shared by Nigella (@nigellalawson) on Apr 22, 2017 at 9:17am PDT

Guinness lovers should pair their drink with stews and grilled meat, or for those with a sweet tooth, try it with rich chocolate.

Keep up to date with the latest food news and recipes here.