NEWS

The BBPA have kindly supplied a limited number of their 2025 Statistical Handbook for Guild members. If you would like to recieve a copy, please email your postal address to secretary@beerguild.co.uk

Commenting on the First Minister's proposal for a national bank holiday to mark Scotland's participation in the World Cup on Monday 15 June 2026, Paul Togneri of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association said:  "We welcome the First Minister’s proposal to mark Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 with a public holiday – it’s a fantastic way to celebrate a historic moment for our national team. Pubs have always been at the heart of these occasions, bringing fans together

It’s been a great year for the partnership at Rull Orchard, which has seen owners and producers Mike and Claire receiving awards for their sustainable ciders and perries, having only launched their business four years ago. The couple began planting an orchard in 2018, fermenting fruit from their own trees and local orchards. As the volume of their production has increased they’ve demonstrated a passion for not only nature and biodiversity of orchard habitats but of rekindling

The UK’s queer- and trans-owned brewery Queer Brewing has launched a brand new alcohol-free beer with a clear message: alcohol-free beer isn’t just for Dry January.   Brighter, Bolder  is Queer Brewing’s latest addition to their alcohol-free lineup—a 0.5% hazy IPA, designed to deliver full flavour and body, without the alcohol.   Taking inspiration from their core range 6% hazy IPA Burst Into Bright , Queer Brewing’s head brewer Andy Potter asked himself, “Why shouldn’t these

An MBE has been awarded to Paul Kevin Hegarty, of Lichfield, a trustee of the Licensed Trade Charity, for charitable service to the hospitality sector.    Andy Slee, the Chief Executive of Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) where Paul is a Non-Exec Director, had this to say;   “Paul has a long and illustrious history in the beer and brewing industry, and has through his work at the Licensed Trade Charity increased the availability of support for members of t

Up-and-coming Kent darts player Vicky Cauteruccio is aiming high, thanks to new sponsorship from Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame.   The independent family business has stepped in to support Vicky, who lives in Sandwich, after she decided to focus on the sport full-time.   Currently ranked 43 rd  in the World Darts Federation (WDF) UK and Ireland Women’s rankings, Vicky has a special connection to Shepherd Neame, as she and wife Ant previously ran one of

Joe Thomson started brewing in 2009, at which time he was the youngest brewer in the country at just 21 years old. Fast forward to 2022, when he decided it was time to improve his fitness and take up running.  By this time, he was head brewer and co-owner of independent Firebrand Brewing Co., based in Launceston. He realised that, as part of his health drive, he needed a more fitting alternative to his daily pint. That’s when he started brewing non-alcoholic beers and this ha

Now that our annual awards and dinner is over for another year, we're starting to plan the 2026 awards, and we need your help! Whether you came along to the event this year or not, we'd like to hear from you. Please spare a couple of minutes to complete the feedback form (the deadline is 31st December 2025). Thanks! Feedback Form

No and low beer now accounts for almost 3% of the UK’s total beer market, British Beer and Pub Association reveals 200 million pints of no and low ABV beers are expected to be drunk by the end of 2025, with 22 million pints expected to be poured over the festive period alone The BBPA calls on the government to support innovation within the sector through changing the definition of alcohol free from 0.05% to 0.5% ABV   This year has been the most successful year on record for

The Spotted Cow on Wolverhampton Road in Bloxwich reopened on Friday 19th December following a phenomenal investment of more than £390,000. The pub is part of Proper Pubs, the award-winning community wet-led operator division of Admiral Taverns, which operates more than 220 pubs across England, Scotland and Wales. Inside, the Spotted Cow underwent a complete transformation to include brand new flooring, fixtures, fittings and furniture throughout as well as five multiple flat

New jobs to be created at much loved venue   A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment. Recognised as a true landmark in the Grassmarket and set in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle, the Beehive Inn has been an iconic building in the capital for over 400 years and remains a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. T

Family run independent brewery, T&R Theakston is marking the retirements of two long serving team members with a combined service totalling over half a century.   The company has a proud record of long-term employees and the latest to be included in that roll call are Alison Livesey and Phil Williamson who are calling last orders on their time at Theakston’s this Christmas.   Having joined the brewery around the time of its acquisition by Matthew Brown PLC, production adminis

Powder Monkey Group is delighted to announce the acquisition of Double Maxim Brewery in Sunderland. This addition reinforces both the capability and capacity in the North East following the acquisition of Castle Eden Brewery earlier in the year. Mark Anderson of Maxim commented “Maxim Brewery was formed following the closure of Vaux Breweries in 1999. We are proud to have been brewing and serving our customers North East favourite beers Double Maxim, Samson, Lambtons, Swedish

Greene King, the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, is rolling out the Christmas spirit, by offering more than 4,000 free meals to community heroes, volunteers and those spending Christmas by themselves.   Pubs across the UK are bringing communities together throughout December through a range of initiatives – all of which promote connection and belonging - and working closely with its charity partners to extend the spirit of Christmas to the many volunteers who play an act

WHAT:  The Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven has opened ticket sales for next year’s exciting event. WHEN:  The Happening is a celebration of the craft of brewing, along with great street food and top musical entertainment, and will be held from Thursday, June 11, to Saturday, June 13. WHERE:  The Happening will take place in a purpose-built marquee in Stonehaven’s Baird Park. WHO:  The Midsummer Beer Happening in Stonehaven is a not-for-profit event organised by local b

Independent family brewer Shepherd Neame is hoping drinkers will say ‘Kia Ora’ to its latest limited edition beer – a New Zealand-inspired Pale Ale.   New Zealand Hazy Pale Ale (5.3%) is a cold IPA crafted using Kiwi hops known for their zesty citrus character. It was created at the Faversham Brewery by Apprentice Brewer Tom Smith, who drew inspiration from his travels across New Zealand and his family’s long-standing connection to the country.   Tom created the innovative br

A one-of-a-kind sector-wide graduate scheme in collaboration with some of the UK’s leading pub companies and breweries has been launched by the British Beer and Pub Association. From hops to HR, the BBPA Academy will give graduates the opportunity to gain a breadth of experience with the guidance of industry experts, while focusing on their own professional development. The leading trade association said the two-year pubs and brewing industry graduate scheme will recruit and

Hebden Bridge, UK: 17 December 2025 –  Yorkshire’s Vocation Brewery, known for its bold and great-tasting beers, is raising a glass to an exceptional year of recognition after securing a string of awards across various highly respected competitions. The independently-owned brewery, rooted in Hebden Bridge, has seen a raft of its beers celebrated by judges from the Great Taste Awards , the World Beer Awards , the SIBA North West Independent Beer Awards  and the SIBA Can & Bott

Now that our annual awards and dinner is over for another year, we're starting to plan the 2026 awards, and we need your help! Whether you came along to the event this year or not, we'd like to hear from you. Please spare a couple of minutes to complete the feedback form (the deadline is 31st December 2025). Thanks! Feedback Form

The Guild has teamed up with drinks industry charity The Drinks Trust to offer 10 full members a free spot on its Wellbeing Champion course in 2026. Worth £250, the training is delivered online over two half-day sessions and aims to equip people to not only build their personal resilience to stress and anxiety but also to help them support colleagues who are struggling. Session One Introduction to Wellbeing The Four Pillars Understanding Stress Self-awareness Mental Health Aw