Videos

In this episode of Beer Rep Chats, I'm joined by Jack Hobday, co-founder of Anspach & Hobday, for an in-depth conversation about the remarkable rise of London Black, one of the UK's most talked-about nitro porters. Jack shares the story of how two friends turned a homebrewing hobby into one of London's most respected independent breweries, the inspiration behind London Black, and why it has become a favourite among craft beer drinkers across the UK. We discuss how nitro beer works, the influence of Guinness, the evolution of the craft beer industry, cask vs keg, New England IPAs, beer marketing, AI, and the challenges facing independent breweries and pubs today. Whether you're a fan of craft beer, brewing, hospitality, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind great breweries, this episode is packed with insight, humour and honest conversation. Check out all episodes at https://www.beerrepchats.com/ Anspach & Hobday links: Website - https://www.anspachandhobday.com/ Facebook - …

Alcohol-free beer has come a long way in a short space of time, but what's really driving its growth? This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Sam, founder of We Can Be Friends, one of the UK's few breweries dedicated solely to alcohol-free beer. We dive into Sam's journey from production brewer to launching an alcohol-free beer brand, why collaborations have played such a huge role in its success, and how breweries are changing the way they approach low and no alcohol brewing. We also discuss why alcohol-free beer isn't as cheap to produce as many people think, the brewing techniques involved, the challenges of creating great body and flavour, and why more independent breweries are adding alcohol-free options to their core range. If you're curious about the future of alcohol-free beer, enjoy craft beer, or simply want to understand what goes into producing a great alcohol-free pint, this episode is packed with insight. If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscri…

This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Kuba Zaleski, brewer at 3 Locks Brewing, to explore his journey from homebrewing to crafting award-worthy beers beside London's iconic Regent's Canal. We discuss how a chance encounter with a bottle of Hobgoblin sparked a brewing career, and why great brewing is about far more than just recipes. Kuba shares his passion for traditional European beer styles, including the brewery's much loved Schwarzbier, German-style Pilsner, and seasonal Vienna Lager. We also dive into brewing science, recipe development, fermentation techniques, sour beer acidity, and the challenges of creating unique beers such as a hibiscus and rose petal Gose. Along the way, Kuba explains why lager is enjoying a renaissance in craft beer, how Camden's international visitors influence the beers brewed at 3 Locks, and what the future holds for the brewery, including a rebrand, expanded capacity, and new taproom developments. If you're interested in craft beer, l…

This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Ryan Dack, General Manager of Vibrant Forest Brewery. We dive into the brewery's 15-year journey from a garage brewing project to one of the UK's most respected independent breweries. Ryan shares the story behind their iconic Pupa Pale Ale, how the brewery has adapted through changing beer trends, the importance of collaboration in the independent beer scene, and why community remains at the heart of everything they do. We also chat about taprooms, beer styles making a comeback, lessons learned from opening and closing a high street venue, and what the future holds for Vibrant Forest as they celebrate their milestone anniversary. Follow Vibrant Forest Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vibrantforest/ Website: https://vibrantforest.co.uk/ Pod Website: https:www.beerrepchats.com Powered by The Keg Warehouse CHAPTERS 00:00 - 04:10 Intro to Vibrant Forest 04:11 - 08:52 Ryan's Journey to Vibrant Forest 08:53 - 12:48 A Beer for Ever…

This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined by Todd Fullarton of Wilful Beer, one of the UK craft beer scene’s fastest rising breweries and multiple gold medal winners at BeerX and Maltings Fest. We dive into Todd’s journey from TQ Beer Works to launching Wilful Beer in 2024, why modern West Coast IPA deserves more attention in the UK, and how the brewery built such a strong identity from day one. We also discuss hop saturation, advanced hop products, cask vs keg, the state of UK craft beer, and why Todd believes “it’s craft, not daft.” Expect plenty of brewing geekery, honest opinions on hazy IPA culture, and insight into what it really takes to run an award-winning independent brewery in today’s beer industry. If you enjoy conversations about craft beer, independent breweries, brewing techniques, and the UK beer scene, make sure to subscribe and leave a review. Check out Wilful Beer Website: https://www.wilfulbeer.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilfulbeer/ Fac…

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: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ Proudly sponsored by @thekegwarehouse https://the…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined by Ross Gandon, founder of Swallow Brew Co, a new independent brewery based on the outskirts of Folkestone, Kent. Ross shares his journey through the highs and lows of the beer industry, from previous ventures like Angels & Demons and McCann’s Brewery, to starting fresh with a smaller, more creative setup focused on quality, experimentation, and most importantly… having fun. We dive into: Why scaling down can sometimes be the smartest move in brewing The realities of running a modern independent brewery Why Swallow Brew Co has chosen a Pilsner and Stout as core beers (no IPA!) The importance of taprooms for survival The challenges of access to market and pub company control Trends like low & no alcohol beer, and whether they’ll last The power of branding, word of mouth, and first impressions What needs to change in the UK beer industry Ross also talks about building a brewery around creativity, from split-batching beers to con…

Why UK pubs are closing, why independent breweries are struggling, and why you’re seeing the same beer everywhere… In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined by Ash Corbett-Collins, Chairman of CAMRA, to break down the biggest issues facing the UK beer industry right now. We explore the reality behind pub closures, rising beer prices, and the lack of access to market for independent breweries. Ash explains the growing illusion of choice in pubs and why drinkers are finding it harder than ever to access local, independent beer. In this episode: Why UK pubs are under serious pressure The truth about independent breweries vs global beer brands Why the Great British Beer Festival was cancelled CAMRA’s new strategy and future direction The fight for fair access to market Are micro pubs the future of cask beer? If you care about pubs, independent beer, and the future of the UK beer scene, then this one’s for you. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations with brewers, industry ex…

From brewing 100-litre batches beneath a 16th-century pub to building a thriving modern brewery and taproom, this episode dives deep into the journey of Abyss Brewing with founders Andrew and Andy. We explore how a passion for hoppy beers, inspired by early UK craft pioneers and US influences, turned into a business built on creativity, community, and constant evolution. Starting under The Pelham Arms in Lewes, Abyss Brewing grew through experimentation, self-funding, and a relentless focus on quality. The conversation covers the realities of scaling a brewery, from the leap into larger production and navigating cash flow challenges, to the unexpected impact of COVID-19, which pushed the team into canning, direct-to-consumer sales, and building a loyal local following. Andrew and Andy also share insights into: Their brewing philosophy and how it’s evolved over time Why water chemistry is crucial to great beer The role of collaborations in pushing creativity How taprooms and commun…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined once again by Neil Walker from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates to reflect on the progress of the Indie Beer Campaign one year after its launch. When Neil first joined me on the podcast, the campaign had only just begun. Now, twelve months later, we look at how the movement has grown across the UK, with hundreds of breweries joining the initiative and increasing awareness among drinkers about what truly defines an independent brewery. We also dive into retail partnerships, including the launch of an Indie Beer section with Waitrose, the growing support from pubs and venues, and the wider challenges independent breweries still face when trying to access the market. Neil also discusses how the campaign connects with the wider work of SIBA, including events like BeerX — the UK’s largest independent brewing trade show — where breweries, suppliers, and industry professionals come together to share knowledge, celebra…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Elizabeth Townsend, co-founder of Kerroo Brewing on the Isle of Man, to explore the realities of building an independent brewery in a unique island environment. Elizabeth shares the story behind starting Kerroo Brewing, the motivations that drove her into brewing, and how location influences everything from sourcing ingredients and logistics to distribution and community connection. We discuss the opportunities and challenges of brewing outside major UK beer hubs, access to market, and how independent breweries can carve out their identity while staying true to quality and sustainability. From early beginnings to future ambitions, this conversation offers an honest insight into the resilience, creativity, and passion required to build a modern independent brewery. Kerroo Links: Website - https://kerroo.myshopify.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kerroobrewing Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerroobrewi…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Matt Gorecki from Zapato Brewing to explore the realities of building an independent brewery in today’s UK beer landscape. Matt shares the story behind Zapato Brewing — from early days working in hospitality and beer festivals to launching a nomadic brewery, navigating the pandemic, and building a thriving taproom inside a converted Victorian mill in Marsden. The conversation dives into the challenges facing independent brewers today, including market saturation, the dominance of big brands on tap lines, the evolution of craft beer trends, and why balance and complexity matter more than hype. They also discuss collaboration culture, the rise and fall of double IPAs, British vs international hops, and Zapato’s plans to finally install their own brewing kit and expand production. If you’re interested in independent beer, brewing philosophy, or the future of the UK craft beer scene — this episode offers an honest and i…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Peter Kennelly, Head of Sales at Pillars Brewery, London’s first independent brewery dedicated to lager. Peter shares his journey through the UK beer industry, from hospitality and BrewDog, to Siren Craft Brew, and ultimately helping grow Pillars into one of the most respected premium lager breweries in the UK. We dive deep into what makes great lager, why there’s “nowhere to hide” when brewing it, and how UK lager has evolved over the past decade. The conversation covers: • What defines quality lager vs mass-market beer • The challenges independent breweries face selling into pubs • Why price, access to market, and education matter • Lager brewing, fermentation time, and attention to detail • Awards, credibility, and how pubs choose beer • Perfect lager pours, glassware, and serving rituals • Why restaurants are embracing premium independent lager • Pillars’ approach to bottles over cans • Food pairings, hospitality …

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Dominic Driscoll, Production Manager and award-winning brewer at Thornbridge Brewery. Dominic shares his journey into brewing, from early days at Marble Brewery to helping shape one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries. The conversation explores how the UK beer scene has evolved over the last 20 years, why Jaipur became such a defining beer, and how Thornbridge balances tradition, consistency, and innovation. We dive deep into Thornbridge’s historic Union brewing system, what makes it different from modern fermentation, and why it has re-energised the brewery’s creativity. Dominic also talks collaboration brewing, working with breweries like Northern Monk, and what brewers can learn from each other by sharing knowledge. The episode also covers the challenge of alcohol-free brewing, what really matters when making great beer, and why process and teamwork are more important than chasing hype ingredients. A…

In the final instalment of The Fab Four series, Martin sits down with Ben Saward and Simon Whittington from Muntons, one of the UK’s most respected maltsters, to unpack everything about malt, from steeping and germination to kilning, consistency, sustainability, and how malt shapes beer styles. Whether you're a commercial brewer, homebrewer, or simply a beer geek who loves diving into the science, this episode takes you deeper into malt than ever before. Ben and Simon share a century of Muntons’ expertise, discussing: – How malt is made and what really happens in steeping, germination & kilning – The differences between base malts, specialty malts, adjuncts & roasted malts – The challenges of the 2025 barley harvest and the reality of UK farming conditions – Sustainable malting, regenerative agriculture & Muntons’ carbon-focused future – How malt extract helps with consistency, efficiency, and high ABV brewing – Why kernel size, nitrogen, modification & milling matter more than most …

Part Three of The Fab Four Series! In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin dives into the world of brewing water chemistry with Iain Kenny from Murphy and Son, one of the UK’s leading experts in water treatment. What you’ll learn: Why water treatment is crucial for every beer style How to improve your brewing water at home or commercially The role of brewing salts and key mineral balances How chloride-to-sulphate ratios shape flavour and mouthfeel The science behind Burtonisation Common water issues brewers face — and how to fix them Tools and resources Murphy & Sons provide to help brewers get their water right If you’re following the Fab Four Series, this episode continues the deep dive into the essential building blocks behind modern brewing. Little Book of Secrets – Liquor Edition: https://www.murphyandson.co.uk/wine-cider-brochures/ The Malt Miller Water Report: https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/advanced-water-report-from-murphy-sons/ About Murphy & Son: htt…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin continues The Fab Four mini-series exploring the four core ingredients of beer, this time focusing on the unsung hero of brewing — yeast. Joining him is Paul Malcolm from WHC Lab, a biotechnology company based in Ireland that’s leading innovation in yeast and fermentation. Together, they dive deep into how yeast shapes the flavour, aroma, and mouthfeel of beer, and why it deserves far more recognition than it gets. Paul explains the differences between liquid and dry yeast, the science behind yeast selection, and how WHC’s cutting-edge research is helping brewers improve quality and consistency. They discuss yeast’s crucial role in the rise of low and no alcohol beers, the challenge of creating flavourful low-ABV options, and how new yeast strains are tackling body, balance, and mouthfeel. From ancient yeast discoveries to next-generation hybrids, this episode reveals just how dynamic and exciting the world of yeast really is. Whet…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Dale Harvey, the man behind @thegreatbritishpubcrawl to talk about his mission to visit every pub in Britain and shine a light on the challenges facing the nation’s locals. Dale explains how the project began as a tongue-in-cheek challenge to visit every pub in Nottinghamshire after questioning a local newspaper’s “Top 5” list. What started as a bit of fun soon turned into a movement — one that now covers thousands of pubs across the UK, with over 7,500 already ticked off. Drawing on his 20 years of experience running pubs, Dale paints a realistic picture of the struggles tenants face — from rising costs and dwindling footfall to restrictive pub company (“pubco”) contracts that limit choice and favour mass-produced beers. He argues that pubs are much more than businesses, they’re vital social spaces that support communities, combat loneliness, and represent a huge part of British heritage and tourism. Martin and Dal…

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Jacob, Head Brewer at @Hackneychurchbrewco to explore his inspiring path from training as a contemporary dancer to head brewer. Jacob shares the story behind Hackney Church Brew Co, a London-based independent brewery that’s all about community, creativity, and great beer. He talks about his brewing philosophy, how the team develops new recipes, and what it means to create beers that welcome everyone — from casual drinkers to passionate beer fans. We also dive into upcoming collaborations, the future brewery move to a new home, the importance of diversity in beer, and advice for home brewers looking to take the next step. Whether you’re a craft beer lover, a brewer in the making, or just curious about the people behind the beers, this episode gives you a fresh look at the art and community of brewing in East London. Subscribe to our channel and drop us a comment about the episode. The Beer Rep Online Store: https:/…

In this episode of Beer Rep Chats, Martin sits down with Tim Weaver — founder of The Brand Weaver @BrandingforBreweries, a creative agency helping independent breweries level up their branding and marketing. Tim shares his journey into the world of brewery branding, why strong and authentic design matters, and the biggest mistakes breweries often make. With real success stories, brewery marketing tips, and insights into evolving craft beer branding trends, Tim explains how indie breweries can stand out in a crowded market. We also get a sneak peek at his upcoming book Branding for Breweries which will be packed with advice for brewery owners looking to boost their brand identity and connect with more drinkers. If you’re passionate about craft beer, run a brewery, or want to learn how branding shapes the beers we love, this episode is a must-listen. Grab Tim's Book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FXS1YPXW The Brand Weaver Socials Website: https://thebrandweaver.co.uk/ Instagr…

Part one of a four part mini series from The Beer Rep Chats With called The Fab Four, exploring hops, malt, water, and yeast. In this episode Martin speaks with Will Rogers from @CharlesFaramFilms about the history and sustainability of British hops. They discuss the unique qualities of British hops, the changing demand in the beer market, and the innovative breeding programs aimed at developing new hop varieties. Will shares insights into the challenges faced by hop growers, the importance of sustainability, and the future of hop production in the UK. The conversation also touches on different hop formats, processing innovations, and personal beer preferences. About Charles Faram: https://charlesfaram.com/hop-suppliers-the-company/ The Hop Farms: https://charlesfaram.com/charles-faram-farms/ CHAPTERS 00:00 - 05:19 Introduction to Charles Faram and Will Rogers 05:20 - 11:25 Shifts in Demand for British Hops 11:26 - 15:41 The Breeding Process Explained 15:42 - 23:47 Understandin…

In this episode, Martin speaks with Kate Hyde, the head brewer of Hand Brew Co., about her unique journey into the brewing industry, the ethos behind Hand Brew Co., and the importance of diversity and inclusion in brewing. Kate shares her experiences, challenges, and insights on the craft beer scene, particularly regarding the role of women in brewing and the need for greater consumer awareness of independent breweries. The conversation also touches on the future of the UK beer scene, the significance of community, and the signature beers of Hand Brew Co. Subscribe to our channel and drop us a comment about the episode. The Beer Rep Online Store: https://thebeerrep.com/shop/ Follow Hand Brew Co: https://www.instagram.com/handbrewco/ Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/the.beer.rep/ CHAPTERS 00:00 - 06:07 Introduction to Kate's Beginnings 06:08 - 11:07 Being Inclusive in the Beer Industry 11:08 - 14:46 How To Be More Inclusive 14:47 - 17:02 Consumers Awareness of Diverse and In…

In this episode, we chat with Sean O’Reilly, founder of Brid’s Cross Brewery, a Rochdale based brewery where folklore and fermentation go hand in hand. Sean shares the journey of how Brid’s Cross was born from a blend of personal passion, family encouragement, and a love for storytelling. We also dive into: How Sean turned homebrewing into a full-time brewery Why storytelling is at the heart of Brid’s Cross The challenges of starting an independent brewery today Cask vs keg, British hops, and experimenting with yeast Getting indie beer into pubs and beyond Whether you’re a fan of traditional cask ales, modern hop-forward styles, or just love a good origin story, then this episode has something for you. Check out The Beer Rep store: https://thebeerrep.com Follow Brid’s Cross on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridscrossbrew Follow us for more indie beer chats: https://www.instagram.com/the.beer.rep CHAPTERS 00:00 - 02:51 The Beginning of Brid's Cross 02:52 - 04:50 Ins…

In this episode, Martin sits down with Dave Hayward, co-founder of Indie Rabble, to explore the bold journey from running one of Reading’s best-known micropubs (A Hoppy Place) to launching a community-driven independent brewery. We chat about: How Indie Rabble was born during turbulent times in the industry What it really takes to grow an indie brewery in the current market The release of Indie Pils, their new core range Pilsner Why pubs need to support true independents, not just big golobal brands Lessons learned in their first 2 years — and what’s next for Indie Rabble Whether you’re a beer drinker, homebrewer, or indie beer advocate, this is a real, honest conversation about starting small, thinking big, and staying independent. 👉 Like, subscribe and leave a comment — and don’t forget to check out the featured beers from Indie Rabble at The Beer Rep. 🍻 Buy Indie Rabble beers: https://thebeerrep.com/shop/ Follow Indie Rabble Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i…