In a large bowl, combine the beef, salt, pepper, paprika and flour. Mix well so all the beef chunks are coated.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until browned. Remove to a bowl or plate and reserve.
Add the cubed bacon to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, or until the fat has rendered and the bacon is no longer raw.
Stir in the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Pour in the brown ale and cook, using a wooden spoon to loosen all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until reduced by half.
Add the beef stock, brown sugar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaf, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, and then lower the heat to medium-low. Return the beef to the pan, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the beef is very tender.