On the podcast this week, Nick takes us on a roving audio tour of SIBA Beer X—the UK’s largest brewing trade show—capturing raw, on-the-ground insights straight from the tradeshow floor.

Armed with a microphone and plenty of curiosity, Nick chats with a cross-section of UK brewery owners, brewers, and industry folks to ask two simple but telling questions: Where are the biggest opportunities in beer right now? And what’s the greatest challenge facing the industry?

From Twice Brewed in Northumberland to The Driftwood Spars on the Cornish coast, the conversation quickly reveals patterns—especially around the rise of alcohol-free beers. Brewers from Wiper & True and Utopian Brewing reflect on the practical and commercial benefits of brewing 0.5% ABV, while others highlight the increasing need to stand out with unique brand stories and community-led initiatives.

Nick also speaks with Laura from Abbeydale Brewery and Catherine from Attic Brew Co. about how breweries can differentiate themselves through values, storytelling, and local engagement.

The episode also explores cross-category innovation, including a conversation with a craft distiller offering contract services to breweries looking to diversify into spirits. And there’s a catch-up with Broadtown Brewery—whose founder left a career in railway engineering to follow his passion for beer and pubs - and Combie from Round Corner Brewing on their decision to embrace cask beer.

While some of the best conversations were, frustratingly, never recorded (🫣 sorry Black Iris), this episode paints a vivid picture of an industry in flux: one that’s maturing, professionalising, and finding resilience amid rising costs, closures, and shifting consumer tastes.

Nick closes with a personal reflection on the current state of beer in the UK—acknowledging the fatigue many are feeling while pointing to the passion, grit, and love of beer and community that still fuels the sector.

THIS WEEK'S EPISODE IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Charles Faram & Co (charlesfaram.com)
Supplying hops for over 150 years, Charles Faram offers a vast range of nitrogen-flushed hop varieties from the UK, Europe, New Zealand, and the USA.

Crisp Malt (crispmalt.com)
Since 1870, Crisp has blended tradition with innovation, producing malts like Chevallier Heritage and Clear Choice Malt.

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