Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery celebrated the official opening of its Tap Room following a two-month renovation.
Based in the village of Tongham, the Tap Room is housed in the old hop drying kiln in this traditional hop-growing region of Surrey.
The renovation was part funded by a grant secured through the Rural Prosperity Fund, courtesy of Surrey County Council. The grants are aimed at helping small businesses in rural communities within the Guildford boundary to invest in capital equipment to expand their businesses and to create jobs.
Guest of honour, Mrs Caroline Breckell, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey, graciously opened the refurbished Tap with a speech, proposed a toast and cut the official ribbon. Executive Chairman, Rupert Thompson, also gave a speech of thanks.
Councillor Sallie Barker, Mayor of Guildford, and Councillor Brodie Mauluka, Mayor of Farnham, were in attendance, along with over 300 guests including friends, family, supporters, business partners, members of the brewery’s official Tongham TEA Club and the Hogs Back Hopper volunteers who help support year-round in the hop garden.
The refurbishment includes a new, larger bar supported on recycled wooden beer barrels, new stone and wooden flooring and investment in new chairs, tables and sofas. The refurbishment work was carried out by local builder, Ben Waugh, who has been responsible for transforming the site over the last five years, alongside Euan Champion, who successfully graduated from the Brewery’s TEA [Train. Experience. Achieve] Academy having completed his apprenticeship in 2024.
New Hogs Back managing director Miles Chesterman said: “The Tap is an integral part of our future growth plans here in Tonhgam. We’re delighted to have secured the funding, which means we can invest in the highest quality and standards. Bringing like-minded people together in a relaxed and comfortable environment, where they can drink the freshest beer straight from the cellar is very special and we want to continue that tradition”.
Guests were able to try a range of Hogs Back beers as well as canapes courtesy of the new Head Chef, Danny Smith. The evening concluded with local singer-songwriter, Luke Edney, performing an acoustic set.
Photo – Mrs Caroline Breckell cutting the ribbon. From left Brodie Mauluka [Mayor of Farnham] , Mrs Caroline Breckell [Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey], Rupert Thompson [Executive Chairman Hogs Back Brewery], Sallie Barker [Mayor of Guildford].
Credit for the above photos Jon Hawkins, Surrey Hills Photography
Notes to Editors:
Hogs Back Brewery was founded in 1992 in Tongham, Surrey. Its flagship brand, Tongham TEA (Traditional English Ale), is a leading regional ale in the south-east.
Committed to sustainability, Hogs Back aims to eliminate single-use plastic, introducing refillable glass Snorters and Snifters, removing over 20,000 PETs, and earning Plastic Free Champion status from Surfers Against Sewage.
In 2014 Hogs Back planted a hop garden, moving it to a larger site in 2019. It celebrated its 10th Hop Harvest in September, harvesting Fuggles, English Cascade, and Farnham White Bine hops.
In 2024, it won the Le May Cup for its White Bine hop and received Gold and Silver awards for its Fuggles and English Cascade hops, respectively.
The brewery’s range includes award-winning draught, bottled, and canned beers, showcasing its blend of brewing expertise and innovation. Notable awards include:
- Little Swine 0.5%: Gold medals in the European Beer Challenge 2024 and SIBA National Independent Beer Awards 2024.
- A over T (Aromas over Tongham) 9% ABV: CAMRA’s Champion Bottled Beer of Britain 2020.
- Hogstar lager: Gold medal in the World Beer Awards 2017.
- Hazy Hog: Bronze medal in the International Cider Challenge 2019.
In January 2025, Miles Chesterman became Managing Director, with owner Rupert Thompson now serving as Executive Chairman.
For more information, visit www.hogsback.co.uk
Contact: Jill Adams, Jill@hogsback.co.uk
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