Building a Brewery for the Community: The Howe Beer Project Story
This week, I’m joined by Kevin Kelly of Howe Beer Project, fresh off winning Best New Independent Brewery at BeerX.
But what really sets them apart? Community.
We dive into how Howe Beer Project was built with people at its core, creating a space that’s welcoming, inclusive, and designed to bring locals together. From turning a huge empty venue into a thriving taproom/brewery, to focusing on customer experience over chasing distribution, Kevin shares a different way of thinking about what a modern brewery can be.
We also talk about the realities of starting a brewery in today’s climate, the impact of their BeerX win, and why success for them isn’t about scaling fast, but about building something meaningful that people genuinely want to be part of.
If you’re into independent beer, taproom culture, or just the idea of creating spaces where people feel they belong, this one’s for you.
Podcast Website:
Proudly sponsored by @thekegwarehouse
https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/
Howe Beer Project:
Website - https://www.howebeerproject.co.uk/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howebeerproject
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/howebeerproject
CHAPTERS
00:00 - 02:22 Introduction to Howe Beer Project & Kevin Kelly
02:23 - 05:13 Kevin’s Background: From Forestry to Brewing
05:14 - 11:54 The Decision to Start a Brewery
11:55 - 18:19 Creating an Inclusive Taproom Environment
18:20 - 23:32 The Future of Beer Culture
23:33 - 28:39 Biggest Start-up Challenges: Listener Question
28:40 - 33:09 Growth, Sustainability & Future Plans
33:10 - 35:43 Collaborations and Community Engagement
35:44 - 37:52 Hardest Decisions & Early Struggles
37:53 - 43:37 Quick Fire Questions (Beer Styles & Inspirations)
43:38 - 46:52 Advice for Starting a Brewery in 2026
46:53 - Outro & Final Thoughts
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