The Beer Rep Chats With

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin is joined by Peter Kennelly, Head of Sales at Pillars Brewery, London’s first independent brewery dedicated exclusively to lager.Peter shares his journey through the UK beer industry, from hospitality, BrewDog and Siren Craft Brew, to how he found himself helping grow one of the country’s most respected premium lager breweries. Together, they explore why brewing great lager is so hard, why there’s “nowhere to hide” with the style, and how UK lager has quietly undergone a quality revolution.The conversation covers the realities of selling beer in today’s pub market, the dominance of global brands, why independent breweries struggle for access, and how education, serve quality, and attention to detail can change how people think about lager. Peter also dives into perfect pours, glassware, food pairings, and why restaurants are increasingly embracing independent lager.It’s an honest, wide-ranging chat about lager, hospitality, independent brewing, and why supporting local beer really matters.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 must-listen for brewers, beer lovers, and anyone interested in how great beer is made — and why Thornbridge continues to set the standard.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of The Fab Four series, Martin sits down with Ben Saward and Simon Whittington from Muntons to explore the malt that shapes every beer we drink. They break down the malting process of steeping, germination, and kilning, and explain the differences between base malts, specialty malts, roasted malts, and adjuncts.The conversation dives into brewing science, malt extract, consistency, kernel size, modification, and how malt affects everything from lagers to hazy IPAs. Ben and Simon also talk openly about the challenges of the 2025 barley harvest, sustainability, regenerative farming, and the innovations Muntons are developing for malt extract.Whether you’re a pro brewer, an ambitious homebrewer, or simply a beer lover wanting to understand what’s in your glass, this episode is packed with knowledge and practical insight.Topics include:• How malt is made and why it matters• Base vs specialty malts and when to use each• The impact of weather and farming on barley quality• Sustainable malting and regenerative agriculture• Using malt extract for consistency and efficiency• Innovations in low/no-alcohol brewingA brilliant finish to The Fab Four series and essential listening for anyone in the beer world.Muntons Homebrewing Supplies: https://www.muntons.com/home-brewing-supplies/Muntons History: https://www.muntons.com/history/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is Part Three of The Fab Four Series, where Martin breaks down the core foundations of brewing with industry experts.Martin is joined by Iain Kenny of Murphy & Son for a practical and approachable look at how water treatment impacts beer.They discuss how water chemistry shapes beer styles, the challenges brewers commonly face, how to build accurate water profiles, and the importance of brewing salts and chloride–sulphate balance.Iain also explains Burtonisation and highlights useful Murphy & Son resources that help brewers improve their water quality.A valuable, easy-to-follow episode for brewers and beer fans continuing the journey through the Fab Four Series.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:https://www.murphyandson.co.uk/about-us/All Podcast Episodes:https://thebeerrep.com/podcast-episodes/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Whether you’re a brewer, beer geek, or curious drinker, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the tiny organism that makes every pint possible.About WHC Lab:https://www.whclab.com/All Podcast Episodes:https://thebeerrep.com/podcast-episodes/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin chats with Dale Harvey, founder of The Great British Pub Crawl, who’s on a mission to visit every pub in Britain. Dale shares how a small challenge in Nottinghamshire turned into a nationwide campaign to celebrate and save the great British boozer.They discuss the state of the UK’s pubs — rising costs, pubco restrictions, government inaction, and why these community hubs are vital for culture, tourism, and mental health. Dale highlights the rise of micro pubs as the future of independent beer, the importance of fairer tax for hospitality, and his plans for a new Great British Pub Crawl App to help drinkers discover and support local pubs.From calling out corporate “support” campaigns to sharing stories of communities buying back their locals, this episode is both passionate and eye-opening. If you care about beer, pubs, and keeping the UK’s social heart beating, this one’s for you.Follow The Great British Pub Crawl:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatbritishpubcrawl/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatBritishPubCrawlTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegreatbritishpubcrawlHave 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Jacob, Head Brewer at Hackney Church Brew Co 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.Follow Hackney Church Brew Co: https://www.instagram.com/hackneychurchbrewco/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin chats with Tim Weaver, founder of The Brand Weaver, about how indie breweries can level up their branding. From avoiding common mistakes to sharing success stories and practical strategies, Tim reveals what it takes to stand out in today’s crowded beer market. Plus, a sneak peek at his upcoming book Branding for Breweries.Perfect for brewery owners, beer lovers, and anyone curious about the power of great branding.Grab Tim's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FXS1YPXWThe Brand Weaver SocialsWebsite: https://thebrandweaver.co.uk/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandingforbreweries/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandingforbreweriesPodcast: https://thebrandweaver.co.uk/branding-for-breweriesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BrandingforBreweriesHave 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Charles Faram 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/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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Follow us and drop a comment about the episode.Hand Brew Co Insta: https://www.instagram.com/handbrewco/Hand Brew Co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/handbrewcoHave 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 breweryWhy storytelling is at the heart of Brid’s CrossThe challenges of starting an independent brewery todayCask vs keg, British hops, and experimenting with yeastGetting indie beer into pubs and beyondWhether 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.comFollow Brid’s Cross on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridscrossbrewHave 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martin sits down with Dave Hayward, co-founder of Indie Rabble, to explore the bold journey from running one of Berkshire'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 industryWhat it really takes to grow an indie brewery in the current marketThe release of Indie Pils, their new core range PilsnerWhy pubs need to support true independents, not just big golobal brandsLessons learned in their first 2 years — and what’s next for Indie RabbleWhether 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.Follow Indie Rabble SocialsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/indierabbleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/indierabbleHave 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martin sits down with James Stiff from The Malt Miller, which is the go to UK supplier for homebrewing gear, ingredients, and advice.From his first brew in 2016 to becoming a central figure at The Malt Miller, James shares how his passion for brewing turned into a full-time role helping others discover the joy of brewing at home. We explore:Choosing the right brewing kit for your skill and budgetWhat’s trending in hops, yeast, and brewing techHow The Malt Miller helps new brewers with video content, recipe kits, and  their Home Brewing 101 seriesRecipe design tips using SMASH techniques and pressure fermentationSneak peeks into upcoming collaborations and new product launchesLinks:The Malt Miller site:https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/Stiffo's House Hazy Pale recipe: https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/stiffos-house-hazy-pale-all-grain-recipe-kit/Buy indie beer (UK delivery only):https://thebeerrep.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we speak to Mike from Colbier Brewery who recently won the SIBA business award for Best New Independent Brewery in the UK at BeerX. He shares his journey from a music background to starting a brewery in Liverpool. He discusses the challenges of finding a suitable location, the influence of Liverpool's music scene on their beer themes, and their take on traditional beers. Mike also highlights the current craft beer market, the innovative ingredients they use, and the feedback they receive from the community. He shares Colbier's future plans, including new beer styles and potentially opening a taproom/pub.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, we sit down with Jonny Garrett – beer writer, YouTuber, and co-founder of The Craft Beer Channel⁩  – for an in-depth conversation about the future of cask ale and the UK beer industry.Jonny shares how his love for beer began in British pubs, how the pandemic impacted cask beer, and why he's campaigning to have cask ale recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage. We also explore:The evolving world of beer publishing and writingThe role of influencers vs traditional beer writersChallenges facing UK breweries: market access, rising costs, and changing tastesThe birth of The Craft Beer ChannelA peek at his upcoming homebrew projectIf you love beer culture, support independent UK breweries, or are passionate about preserving pub traditions, this episode is a must-listen.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you're passionate about beer and brewing!Sign the petition to get cask ale recognised as intangible cultural heritage: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/716686Buy The Meaning Of Beer: https://amzn.eu/d/59HiNUyHave 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Martin chats with Jonny from Pipeline Brewery about the journey of starting a brewery, the unique identity of their beers, and the challenges faced in the beer industry. They discuss the importance of community engagement, home brewing insights, and the balance between creativity and consistency in brewing. Jonny shares his experiences with yeast management and the future of the UK indie beer market, as well as the exciting move to their new brewery in Newquay.Buy Pipeline Beer: https://thebeerrep.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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Danny Tapper from Beak Brewery shares his journey from a homebrewer to the owner of a successful independent brewery. He discusses the challenges faced during the pandemic, the importance of community, and the meticulous process behind brewing consistent and high-quality beers. Danny also speaks about the story behind their branding, collaborations with other breweries, and the exciting launch of their new non-alcoholic brand, Nolia.Tickets for Three Hills FestivalHave 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.