The Beer Rep Chats With

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://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/Howe Beer Project:Website - https://www.howebeerproject.co.uk/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howebeerprojectFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/howebeerprojectCHAPTERS00:00 - 02:22 Introduction to Howe Beer Project & Kevin Kelly02:23 - 05:13 Kevin’s Background: From Forestry to Brewing05:14 - 11:54 The Decision to Start a Brewery11:55 - 18:19 Creating an Inclusive Taproom Environment18:20 - 23:32 The Future of Beer Culture23:33 - 28:39 Biggest Start-up Challenges: Listener Question28:40 - 33:09 Growth, Sustainability & Future Plans33:10 - 35:43 Collaborations and Community Engagement35:44 - 37:52 Hardest Decisions & Early Struggles37:53 - 43:37 Quick Fire Questions (Beer Styles & Inspirations)43:38 - 46:52 Advice for Starting a Brewery in 202646:53 - Outro & Final Thoughts

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 brewingThe realities of running a modern independent breweryWhy Swallow Brew Co has chosen a Pilsner and Stout as core beers (no IPA!)The importance of taprooms for survivalThe challenges of access to market and pub company controlTrends like low & no alcohol beer, and whether they’ll lastThe power of branding, word of mouth, and first impressionsWhat needs to change in the UK beer industryRoss also talks about building a brewery around creativity, from split-batching beers to constantly rotating styles, and why keeping things simple might be the key to long-term success.If you’re into craft beer, independent breweries, UK beer industry insights, or thinking about starting a brewery yourself then this episode is packed with honest, no-nonsense insight.🍺 Check out Swallow Brew CoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/swallowbrewco/The Blind Pig: https://www.instagram.com/theblindpig.folkestone/🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with brewers, industry experts, and beer insiders.Powered by The Keg Warehouse https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/ Pod website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/CHAPTERS:00:00 - 02:13 Intro & Meet Ross Gandon02:14 - 05:55 Ross’ Brewing Background & Previous Ventures05:56 - 09:05 Core Beers: Why Pilsner & Stout09:06 - 11:30 Launching in a Tough Beer Market11:31 - 13:35 Early Days & Homebrewing Background13:36 - 19:50 The Realities of Running a Brewery19:51 - 23:44 The Folkestone Beer Scene23:45 - 26:25 The Role of a Tap Room in Brewery Success26:26 - 28:25 Industry Challenges & Access to Market28:26 - 32:37 Low & No Alcohol Beer: Trend or Future?32:38 - 39:31 Turning Drinkers into Fans, Beer Styles, Dream Collabs39:32 - 43:48 What Needs to Change in the UK Beer Scene43:49 - Advice to New Brewers & Wrap Up

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin speaks with Ash Corbett-Collins, Chairman of CAMRA, about the growing challenges facing UK pubs and independent breweries.From pub closures and rising costs to the lack of access to market, this conversation dives into why it’s becoming harder for drinkers to find local, independent beer—and what needs to change.Ash also shares insights on CAMRA’s future strategy, the end of the Great British Beer Festival, and whether micro pubs could help keep cask beer alive.👉 Subscribe for more conversations with brewers, industry experts, and beer insiders.Pod Websitehttps://www.beerrepchats.com/Become a member of CAMRA:https://camra.org.uk/membershipSociety of Independent Brewers & Associateshttps://siba.co.uk/CHAPTERS00:00 - 04:40 A Difficult Year for CAMRA04:41 - 08:38 CAMRA’s New Strategy & Future Focus08:39 - 12:55 The “Illusion of Choice” in UK Pubs Explained12:56 - 17:27 Trade Bodies, Government & Industry Challenges17:28 - 19:20 Are More UK Pubs Going to Close?19:21 - 26:54 Listener Question: Market Control & Super Complaints26:55 - 31:14 The Role of Micro Pubs in Supporting Independent Breweries31:15 - 40:56 Positive Changes in Northern Ireland's Beer Scene40:57 - 49:07 Cask Beer as Cultural Heritage49:08 - 50:17 CAMRA Members Weekend in St Albans

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 timeWhy water chemistry is crucial to great beerThe role of collaborations in pushing creativityHow taprooms and community drive independent brewery successTrends shaping UK craft beer, from hazy IPAs to the rise of lagersPlus, we get into beer naming, brewery culture (including collaboration day “standards”), and what’s next for Abyss Brewing including festivals, new styles, and future expansion.If you’re into craft beer, brewing, or the business behind it, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a proper look behind the scenes of a modern independent brewery.Featured beers include: Dank Marvin IPA, Super Fuzz, Tropical Thunder, and more. Watch more at https://beerrepchats.comAbyss LinksWebsite: https://abyssbrewing.co.ukInsta: https://www.instagram.com/abyssbrewingFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/abyssbrewingUnTappd: https://untappd.com/ABYSSBrewingChapters00:00 - 01:37 Introduction to Abyss Brewing01:38 - 06:03 The Journey to Brewing Passion06:04 - 10:44 Navigating Growth and Challenges10:45 - 17:23 Defining Abyss Brewing's Identity17:24 - 19:42 The Importance of Collaboration19:43 - 23:02 The Brewing Process: Inspiration and Ingredients23:03 - 26:24 Evolving Brewing Philosophies26:25 - 30:31 Challenges in the UK Beer Market30:32 - 33:52 The Importance of Community and Tap Rooms33:53 - 36:31 Future Plans and Innovations36:32 - 39:38 Signature Beers and Creative Naming39:38 - Final Words from Abyss

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, celebrate beer, and discuss the future of the sector.From supermarket listings and consumer education to industry events and the upcoming Indie Beer Week, this conversation explores what it really takes to support independent breweries in today’s beer landscape.LINKS:Indie Beer Campaign: https://indiebeer.uk/BeerX: https://www.beerx.org/SIBA: https://siba.co.uk/PODCAST:Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/CHAPTERS:00:00 - 01:09 Welcoming Neil Walker Back to the Podcast01:10 - 04:36 One Year of the Indie Beer Campaign04:37 - 11:57 The Waitrose Indie Beer Section11:58 - 15:30 The Challenges Independent Breweries Still Face15:31 - 21:48 The Fight for Indie Beer in UK Pubs21:49 - 28:10 BeerX: The UK’s Biggest Independent Brewing Event28:11 - 30:14 Maximising Opportunities at BeerX30:15 - 38:46 Indie Beer Awards & The World Beer Cup38:47 - 42:42 Engaging with SIBA and the Indie Beer Campaign42:43 - Wrap Up & Outro

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/kerroobrewingFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerroobrewingUntappd - https://untappd.com/v/kerroo-brewing-company/12535581Chapters:00:00 - Introduction & Beginnings03:16 - Deciding to Start a Brewery Together05:13 - The Isle of Man Beer Scene06:54 - The Reality of Starting Up08:56 - Craft Inspiration & Influence11:16 - Opening the Taproom Before the Brewery15:43 - Brewing Identity & Island Logistics19:47 - Local Drinker Behaviour24:56 - The Story Behind the Name Kerroo29:45 - Future Plans & Collaborations35:28 - Independent Brewing Today36:51 - Advice for Anyone Starting a Brewery40:53 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

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 insightful perspective from someone deeply embedded in the industry.Links:Subscribe to the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/TheBeerRepChatsWithZapato Website: https://zapatobrewing.com/Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message!Support the showInstagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith

The Beer Rep Chats With celebrates the UK’s independent beer scene. Join me as I chat with brewers, brewery founders, and the people shaping the future of independent beer. Expect stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the art, science, and culture of independent beer.Follow us so you never miss a conversation with the people making the beer you love.Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message!Support the showInstagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith