The Beer Rep Chats With

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: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] Proudly sponsored by @thekegwarehouse  https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/ [https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/] Howe Beer Project: Website - https://www.howebeerproject.co.uk/ [https://www.howebeerproject.co.uk/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howebeerproject [https://www.instagram.com/howebeerproject] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/howebeerproject [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 See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Building a Brewery on Passion with Ross Gandon of Swallow Brew Co

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 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 Co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swallowbrewco/ [https://www.instagram.com/swallowbrewco/] The Blind Pig: https://www.instagram.com/theblindpig.folkestone/ [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/  [https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/ ] Pod website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 02:13 Intro & Meet Ross Gandon 02:14 - 05:55 Ross’ Brewing Background & Previous Ventures 05:56 - 09:05 Core Beers: Why Pilsner & Stout 09:06 - 11:30 Launching in a Tough Beer Market 11:31 - 13:35 Early Days & Homebrewing Background 13:36 - 19:50 The Realities of Running a Brewery 19:51 - 23:44 The Folkestone Beer Scene 23:45 - 26:25 The Role of a Tap Room in Brewery Success 26:26 - 28:25 Industry Challenges & Access to Market 28:26 - 32:37 Low & No Alcohol Beer: Trend or Future? 32:38 - 39:31 Turning Drinkers into Fans, Beer Styles, Dream Collabs 39:32 - 43:48 What Needs to Change in the UK Beer Scene 43:49 - Advice to New Brewers & Wrap Up See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

UK Pubs & Indie Breweries: What’s Next? with CAMRA Chairman Ash Corbett-Collins

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 Website https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] Become a member of CAMRA: https://camra.org.uk/membership [https://camra.org.uk/membership] Society of Independent Brewers & Associates https://siba.co.uk/ [https://siba.co.uk/] CHAPTERS 00:00 - 04:40 A Difficult Year for CAMRA 04:41 - 08:38 CAMRA’s New Strategy & Future Focus 08:39 - 12:55 The “Illusion of Choice” in UK Pubs Explained 12:56 - 17:27 Trade Bodies, Government & Industry Challenges 17:28 - 19:20 Are More UK Pubs Going to Close? 19:21 - 26:54 Listener Question: Market Control & Super Complaints 26:55 - 31:14 The Role of Micro Pubs in Supporting Independent Breweries 31:15 - 40:56 Positive Changes in Northern Ireland's Beer Scene 40:57 - 49:07 Cask Beer as Cultural Heritage 49:08 - 50:17 CAMRA Members Weekend in St Albans See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Journey of Abyss Brewing

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 community drive independent brewery success Trends shaping UK craft beer, from hazy IPAs to the rise of lagers Plus, 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.com [https://beerrepchats.com] Abyss Links Website: https://abyssbrewing.co.uk [https://abyssbrewing.co.uk] Insta: https://www.instagram.com/abyssbrewing [https://www.instagram.com/abyssbrewing] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abyssbrewing [https://www.facebook.com/abyssbrewing] UnTappd: https://untappd.com/ABYSSBrewing [https://untappd.com/ABYSSBrewing] Chapters 00:00 - 01:37 Introduction to Abyss Brewing 01:38 - 06:03 The Journey to Brewing Passion 06:04 - 10:44 Navigating Growth and Challenges 10:45 - 17:23 Defining Abyss Brewing's Identity 17:24 - 19:42 The Importance of Collaboration 19:43 - 23:02 The Brewing Process: Inspiration and Ingredients 23:03 - 26:24 Evolving Brewing Philosophies 26:25 - 30:31 Challenges in the UK Beer Market 30:32 - 33:52 The Importance of Community and Tap Rooms 33:53 - 36:31 Future Plans and Innovations 36:32 - 39:38 Signature Beers and Creative Naming 39:38 - Final Words from Abyss See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

The Rise of Indie Beer with Neil Walker

In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With [https://linktr.ee/TheBeerRepChatsWith], I’m joined once again by Neil Walker from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates [https://siba.co.uk/] to reflect on the progress of the Indie Beer Campaign [ https://indiebeer.uk/] 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 [https://www.beerx.org/] — 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/ [https://indiebeer.uk/] BeerX: https://www.beerx.org/ [https://www.beerx.org/] SIBA: https://siba.co.uk/ [https://siba.co.uk/] PODCAST: Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ [https://www.beerrepchats.com/] CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 01:09 Welcoming Neil Walker Back to the Podcast 01:10 - 04:36 One Year of the Indie Beer Campaign 04:37 - 11:57 The Waitrose Indie Beer Section 11:58 - 15:30 The Challenges Independent Breweries Still Face 15:31 - 21:48 The Fight for Indie Beer in UK Pubs 21:49 - 28:10 BeerX: The UK’s Biggest Independent Brewing Event 28:11 - 30:14 Maximising Opportunities at BeerX 30:15 - 38:46 Indie Beer Awards & The World Beer Cup 38:47 - 42:42 Engaging with SIBA and the Indie Beer Campaign 42:43 - Wrap Up & Outro See more at beerrepchats.com ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.