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Guild Member Profile

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Martin Avis

he/him
CEO/Founder of The Beer Rep
  • Full member
  • The Beer Rep.com, The Beer Rep Chats With Podcast.
  • London
  • CAMRA
  • Graphic design, Music Production

What is the one thing you'd like to tell visitors to the Guild's website?

I’m Martin, founder of The Beer Rep — an online store championing independent UK breweries — and host of The Beer Rep Chats With… podcast. My work bridges the gap between drinkers and brewers, combining retail with storytelling to shine a light on the people, processes, and pressures behind the beers we love. I speak with brewery founders and industry professionals to explore their journeys, challenges, and inspirations, while also stocking their beers online to create a full-circle connection for consumers. Driven by curiosity, community, and a deep love for good beer.

What you can offer as a writer/beer lover?

As a podcast host and the founder of The Beer Rep, I offer a unique platform that connects drinkers with the people behind the beers they love. Through engaging video and audio interviews with UK brewery founders and industry voices, I bring forward the stories, challenges, and passion driving the indie beer scene. My work helps raise the visibility of UK indie breweries by pairing thoughtful storytelling with retail support, making it easier for consumers to discover and support truly independent beer. I’m committed to sharing industry insight, promoting collaboration, and championing the values of the indie beer community.

 

What do you like most about being a Guild of Beer Writers member?

What I like best about being a member of the Guild is the inclusive nature of the community—it values and celebrates all forms of writing and communication about beer, whether that’s in print, online, audio, or video. It’s a space where creativity and passion are recognised, and where members are supported in honing their craft while connecting with others who share a deep love for beer and the stories behind it.

Pieces of work by Martin:

  • SIBA's Indie Beer Campaign: Why It Matters for Beer Lovers

    In this episode, Neil Walker from SIBA discusses the challenges faced by independent breweries, including market access and profitability. He highlights the impact of COVID-19 on consumer behaviour and the launch of the Indie Beer campaign aimed at raising awareness about independent breweries. The conversation delves into consumer misconceptions about what breweries are independent and the importance of supporting local businesses. Neil emphasises the need for clear identification of independent breweries and the campaign’s goals to bridge the gap between consumer preferences and actual purchasing behaviour.

  • Andy Parker of Elusive Brewing

    In our very first episode, we sit down with Andy Parker, founder of Elusive Brewing, to chat about his journey from homebrewer to brewery owner. We dive into the story behind Elusive, his new book The Modern Homebrewer, and the challenges of running an independent brewery in today’s industry.

  • Breaking Barriers: Women in the Beer Industry

    In this episode, Amelie Tassin from Women in Beer discusses her journey in the beer industry, the creation and growth of the Women in Beer group, the challenges women face in the industry, and the importance of mentorship. She highlights the need for inclusivity and support for women in beer, sharing insights on upcoming projects and the impact of their mentorship program.

  • From Attic to Brewery: The Journey of Attic Brew Co

    In this engaging conversation we spoke to co founder Oli Hurlow from Attic Brew Co, who shares the journey of starting a brewery in Birmingham, the challenges faced, and the importance of community and local support. He discusses the evolution of their beer offerings, the significance of cask ale, and the impact of COVID-19 on their business. Oli emphasises the need for independent breweries to connect with their local markets and the role of tap rooms in fostering growth. He also shares exciting future plans for Attic Brew Co and encourages aspiring brewers to reach out for advice.