After 11 years in the business, as one of the new wave of microbreweries in Walthamstow, the Wild Card team have been awarded Brewery of the Year at the Society of Independent Brewers Association’s Business Awards 2023, also scooping Best Online Webshop and Best Design Concept.
It was a night of overwhelming joy for the team, who began as a kitchen table dream in 2012 by friends William and Andrew, and joined later by Jaega Wise (Brewer of the Year, BBC Food Programme Presenter). Starting from scratch with just a credit card between them, the brewery has since evolved to produce a range of lovely beers and run two taprooms (and a pub!) in East London.
At the BeerX conference in Liverpool, Pete Brown, acclaimed beer writer and broadcaster, presented the prizes, citing Wild Card’s massive impact on the beer industry at large, particularly impressive for a small, independent business. He also noted their unique focus on design, world-class beers and astronomical influence. They were also celebrated for their commitment to diversity and inclusion, within their team and promoting these ideas industry-wide.
Wild Card’s director, William Harris, said, ‘I’m delighted to win the award – it’s just huge recognition for everyone at the company and we’re just really proud of what we have achieved as a team. Head brewer Jaega added that the award was a particular source of joy after a difficult few years in which the team really pulled together – continuing to produce top-quality beer of an amazing standard.
Other than the overall prize, Wild Card also won Best Online Webshop, given to the team for web design, usability, amazing customer service and product range.
We were rather excited to win Best Concept Design for the Astrology series, a year-long (and ongoing) project, in which beer is released each month corresponding to an individual star sign. The designs were prized for working so well as a cohesive, collectible series, as well as individual pieces.
For the full press pack and any supporting imagery, please contact Ellie Edmonds: ellie.edmonds@wildcardbrewery.
About Wild Card Brewery – Editor’s Notes
Friends and fellow home-brewers William Harris, Andrew Birkby and Jaega Wise founded Wild Card Brewery in 2012 at the Ravenswood Industrial Estate Walthamstow.
With support from the local community, Wild Card’s shed became one of Walthamstow’s best-loved bars, hosting beer festivals, tap takeovers and live music.
In 2018 the brewery moved over to Lockwood Way, where they have doubled capacity – which means lots of Wild Card beer for all.
Wild Card Brewery now has two taprooms in Walthamstow, and our beer is available in pubs, bars, and restaurants across the UK.
We’ve also opened a lovely 18th-century pub The Tavern on the Hill, all taps pouring Wild Card beer brewed just down the road!