The Beer Rep Chats With

Martin Avis
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Food
  • Updated Fortnightly

The Beer Rep Chats With is your front-row seat to the UK’s independent beer scene. Join host Martin as he sits down with brewery founders and industry insiders to uncover the stories behind the pints, from recipe innovation and branding, access to market struggles, and community impact. Expect honest conversations, brewing insights, and a few laughs along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 day ago

    Burton Roots, Cornish Beer and the Rise of Bluntrock

    What does it take to build an independent brewery from the ground up? In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with George Parker Collins, co-founder and head brewer of Bluntrock Brewery in Rock, North Cornwall, to hear the story behind one of Cornwall's most distinctive independent breweries. George grew up in Burton upon Trent, surrounded by brewing. His parents met while working at Allied Breweries, and his childhood was spent around Tower Brewery, giving him an early connection to brewing before he even realised it. At 18, he moved into the brewing industry and began his career at Sharp's Brewery, gaining experience of the standards, systems and discipline of a large-scale brewery. He then moved to Padstow Brewing, where he went from working within a large brewing team to effectively running the brewing operation himself. It was at Padstow that George began experimenting with modern hoppy beers, one-off releases and canned beer, discovering the ingredients and techniques that would eventually influence Bluntrock's brewing philosophy. George explains how the idea for Bluntrock started with a simple ambition to build a brewpub in Rock and Polzeath where beer could be brewed and sold directly at the source. That dream eventually became reality through four shipping containers, a tiny 150-litre brew kit and plenty of DIY work during the pandemic. The story didn't stop there. After demand quickly outgrew the original brewery, George and business partner Hugo took an unexpected gamble at the auction of Boxcar Brewery's equipment. They won the bid and suddenly found themselves owning a much larger brewery, despite having nowhere to put it. George talks openly about the challenges of scaling Bluntrock, moving into the new brewery in 2023, dealing with second-hand equipment, building a team of almost 30 people and expanding to three taprooms. We also get into Bluntrock's beers and brewing philosophy, including Pagan Juice, the beer inspired by George's Cornish cookouts, the distinctive Bluntrock artwork and the story behind the brewery's "bucket head" characters. George also discusses one of the most fascinating projects in the brewery's history: Ambassador, a Burton-inspired best bitter that led to an 18-month research project involving historic bottles of Bass, Allsopp and other Burton beers and an attempt to recover historic brewing yeast. The conversation also explores the challenges facing independent breweries in Cornwall, including tied pubs, limited freehouses, seasonality and the difficulty of getting beer into the local market. Bluntrock Socials: Shop - https://www.bluntrockbrewery.co.uk/pages/shop Insta - https://www.instagram.com/bluntrockbrewery/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/bluntrockbrewery/ CHAPTERS 00:41 - 03:09 Growing Up in Burton and Discovering Brewing 03:10 - 05:16 Starting at Sharp's Brewery and Learning the Fundamentals 05:17 - 10:45 Padstow Brewing and Discovering Modern Hoppy Beer 10:46 - 13:49 The Dream of Starting Bluntrock Brewery 13:50 - 20:10 From a 150 Litre Brew Kit to Four Shipping Containers 20:11 - 26:29 Buying the Boxcar Brewery Equipment at Auction 26:30 - 29:21 Pagan Juice, Bluntrock's Brand and the Bucket Heads 29:22 - 33:34 Brewing in Cornwall and the Battle for Market Access 33:35 - 43:32 Recreating Burton Beer: The Story Behind Ambassador 43:33 - Dream Collaborations and Final Thoughts See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Burton Roots, Cornish Beer and the Rise of Bluntrock

  2. 20 July

    Inside Anspach & Hobday: The Rise of London Black

    In this episode of Beer Rep Chats, I'm joined by Jack Hobday, co-founder of Anspach & Hobday, for an in-depth conversation about the remarkable rise of London Black, one of the UK's most talked-about nitro porters. Jack shares the story of how two friends turned a homebrewing hobby into one of London's most respected independent breweries, the inspiration behind London Black, and why it has become a favourite among craft beer drinkers across the UK. We discuss how nitro beer works, the influence of Guinness, the evolution of the craft beer industry, cask vs keg, New England IPAs, beer marketing, AI, and the challenges facing independent breweries and pubs today. Whether you're a fan of craft beer, brewing, hospitality, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind great breweries, this episode is packed with insight, humour and honest conversation. Check out all episodes at https://www.beerrepchats.com/ Anspach & Hobday links: Website - https://www.anspachandhobday.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Anspachandhobday/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/anspachhobday/ Powered by The Keg Warehouse CHAPTERS 00:00 - 00:50 Introduction – Meet Jack Hobday of Anspach & Hobday 00:51 - 02:40 The Story Behind Anspach & Hobday & London Black 02:41 - 07:28 What Is a Nitro Porter? How London Black Is Made 07:29 - 13:43 The Evolution of Craft Beer & The Rise of New England IPA 13:44 - 19:13 Building a Brewery Team Behind London Black 19:14 - 26:32 How London Black Took on Guinness 26:33 - 33:14 The Beers Beyond London Black 33:15 - 42:06 The Future of Independent Brewing & British Pubs 42:07 - 43:31 What's Next for Anspach & Hobday? 43:32 - 47:21 Quick Fire: Favourite Beer, Cask vs Keg & British Hops 47:22 - 51:22 AI in Beer Marketing – Opportunity or Threat? 51:23 Why Every Beer Lover Should Visit Anspach & Hobday See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Inside Anspach & Hobday: The Rise of London Black

  3. 6 July

    Why Alcohol Free Beer Is Booming

    Alcohol-free beer has come a long way in a short space of time, but what's really driving its growth? This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Sam, founder of We Can Be Friends, one of the UK's few breweries dedicated solely to alcohol-free beer. We dive into Sam's journey from production brewer to launching an alcohol-free beer brand, why collaborations have played such a huge role in its success, and how breweries are changing the way they approach low and no alcohol brewing. We also discuss why alcohol-free beer isn't as cheap to produce as many people think, the brewing techniques involved, the challenges of creating great body and flavour, and why more independent breweries are adding alcohol-free options to their core range. If you're curious about the future of alcohol-free beer, enjoy craft beer, or simply want to understand what goes into producing a great alcohol-free pint, this episode is packed with insight. If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with another beer lover, it really helps the podcast grow. Shop We Can Be Friends https://wecanbefriends.co.uk/collections/beers-glasses We Can Be Friends Socials: Insta - https://www.instagram.com/WECANBEFRIENDSUK/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@wecanbefriendsuk Pod Website https://www.beerrepchats.com/ Powered by ⁨@thekegwarehouse⁩   CHAPTERS 00:00 - 02:16 Introduction & Meet Sam from We Can Be Friends 02:17 - 04:19 Why Focus on Alcohol-Free Beer? 04:20 - 08:53 Why Alcohol-Free Beer Is Growing So Fast 08:54 - 10:36 Bringing Craft Beer to Alcohol-Free Brewing 10:37 - 15:59 How the Alcohol-Free Market Has Changed 16:00 - 20:31 How Alcohol-Free Beer Is Brewed & Why It Costs More 20:32 - 23:53 Ingredients, Hop Products & Building Flavour 23:54 - 26:05 Could 1% Beer Be the Next Big Thing? 26:06 - 28:22 The Hardest Beer Styles to Brew Alcohol-Free 28:23 - 34:02 Brewery Collaborations & Surviving the Beer Industry 34:03 - 39:56 The Future of Alcohol-Free Beer 39:57 - 42:03 What's Next for We Can Be Friends? 42:04 - Where To Find We Can Be Friends and Wrap Up See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Why Alcohol Free Beer Is Booming

  4. 22 June

    Inside 3 Locks Brewing with Kuba Zaleski

    This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Kuba Zaleski, brewer at 3 Locks Brewing, to explore his journey from homebrewing to crafting award-worthy beers beside London's iconic Regent's Canal. We discuss how a chance encounter with a bottle of Hobgoblin sparked a brewing career, and why great brewing is about far more than just recipes. Kuba shares his passion for traditional European beer styles, including the brewery's much loved Schwarzbier, German-style Pilsner, and seasonal Vienna Lager. We also dive into brewing science, recipe development, fermentation techniques, sour beer acidity, and the challenges of creating unique beers such as a hibiscus and rose petal Gose. Along the way, Kuba explains why lager is enjoying a renaissance in craft beer, how Camden's international visitors influence the beers brewed at 3 Locks, and what the future holds for the brewery, including a rebrand, expanded capacity, and new taproom developments. If you're interested in craft beer, lager brewing, brewery growth, recipe design, fermentation, beer styles, or the evolving UK beer scene, this episode is packed with insights from one of London's most thoughtful brewers. Pod Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ 3 Locks Socials Website: https://www.3locksbeer.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3locksbeer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3locksbrewerycamden Powered by The Keg Warehouse CHAPTERS 00:00 - 01:04 Introduction and Meet Kuba from 3 Locks Brewing 01:05 - 04:00 From Hobgoblin Fan to Professional Brewer 04:01 - 05:31 Homebrewing Lessons That Still Matter Today 05:32 - 08:45 Brewing Unusual Beers and Sour Beer Science 08:46 - 11:38 Joining 3 Locks Brewing 11:39 - 16:24 Brewing in Camden and Serving Beer Tourists 16:25 - 20:46 Growing 3 Locks Brewing and Expanding Capacity 20:47 - 26:14 Recipe Development and Brewing Challenges 26:15 - 31:06 Fermentation Secrets and Brewing Better Beer 31:07 - 37:14 Craft Beer Trends, Lager and Low-Alcohol Growth 37:15 - 42:11 Favourite Breweries and The Future of 3 Locks Brewing 42:12 Final Thoughts and Outro #CraftBeer #3LocksBrewing #BeerPodcast #Brewing #CraftLager #Schwarzbier #Camden #IndependentBeer #BeerRepChats #IndieBeer See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    Inside 3 Locks Brewing with Kuba Zaleski

  5. 8 June

    15 Years of Vibrant Forest with Ryan Dack

    This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I'm joined by Ryan Dack, General Manager of Vibrant Forest Brewery. We dive into the brewery's 15-year journey from a garage brewing project to one of the UK's most respected independent breweries. Ryan shares the story behind their iconic Pupa Pale Ale, how the brewery has adapted through changing beer trends, the importance of collaboration in the independent beer scene, and why community remains at the heart of everything they do. We also chat about taprooms, beer styles making a comeback, lessons learned from opening and closing a high street venue, and what the future holds for Vibrant Forest as they celebrate their milestone anniversary. Follow Vibrant Forest Insta: https://www.instagram.com/vibrantforest/ Website: https://vibrantforest.co.uk/ Pod Website: https:www.beerrepchats.com Powered by The Keg Warehouse CHAPTERS 00:00 - 04:10 Intro to Vibrant Forest 04:11 - 08:52 Ryan's Journey to Vibrant Forest 08:53 - 12:48 A Beer for Every Palate 12:49 - 18:39 Lessons Learned from the Vibrant Tap 18:40 - 23:06 The Popularity of Pupa 23:07 - 25:25 The Southampton Beer Scene 25:26 - 31:33 Building Connections in the Brewing Community 31:34 - 37:04 Future Collaborations 37:05 - 40:04 Memorable Moments at Vibrant Forest 40:05 - 44:53 Excitement for the Future of Vibrant Forest 44:54 - Quickfire Questions and Wrap Up See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    15 Years of Vibrant Forest with Ryan Dack

  6. 25 May

    It’s Craft, Not Daft. Todd Fullarton on Building Wilful Beer

    This week on The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined by Todd Fullarton of Wilful Beer, one of the UK craft beer scene’s fastest rising breweries and multiple gold medal winners at BeerX and Maltings Fest. We dive into Todd’s journey from TQ Beer Works to launching Wilful Beer in 2024, why modern West Coast IPA deserves more attention in the UK, and how the brewery built such a strong identity from day one. We also discuss hop saturation, advanced hop products, cask vs keg, the state of UK craft beer, and why Todd believes “it’s craft, not daft.” Expect plenty of brewing geekery, honest opinions on hazy IPA culture, and insight into what it really takes to run an award-winning independent brewery in today’s beer industry. If you enjoy conversations about craft beer, independent breweries, brewing techniques, and the UK beer scene, make sure to subscribe and leave a review. Check out Wilful Beer Website: https://www.wilfulbeer.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilfulbeer/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/wilfulbeer CHAPTERS 00:00 - 03:56 Intro & The Birth of Wilful Beer 03:57 - 09:17 Branding and Identity in Craft Beer 09:18 - 13:57 Brewing Philosophy: Getting That Balance 13:58 - 19:08 The Role of Modern Hop Products 19:09 - 21:40 Listener Question & Brewing Challenges 21:41 - 25:19 Beer Representation 25:20 - 28:35 Challenges of Direct Trade and Growth 28:36 - 32:08 Brewery Recognition  32:09 - 35:00 Listener Question: Celebrating Success and Awards 35:01 - 37:04 Current Trends in the UK Beer Scene 37:05 - 39:36 Future Aspirations for Will Full Beer 39:37 - Quickfire Questions & Wrap Up See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    It’s Craft, Not Daft. Todd Fullarton on Building Wilful Beer

  7. 11 May

    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/ Proudly sponsored by @thekegwarehouse  https://thekegwarehouse.co.uk/ Howe Beer Project: Website - https://www.howebeerproject.co.uk/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/howebeerproject Facebook - 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 for more information.

    Building a Brewery for the Community: The Howe Beer Project Story

  8. 27 Apr

    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 brewingThe realities of running a modern independent breweryWhy Swallow Brew Co has chosen a Pilsner and Stout as core beers (no IPA!)The importance of taprooms for survivalThe challenges of access to market and pub company controlTrends like low & no alcohol beer, and whether they’ll lastThe power of branding, word of mouth, and first impressionsWhat 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/ The Blind Pig: 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/  Pod website: 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 for more information.

    Building a Brewery on Passion with Ross Gandon of Swallow Brew Co
See All (38)

Trailer

About

The Beer Rep Chats With is your front-row seat to the UK’s independent beer scene. Join host Martin as he sits down with brewery founders and industry insiders to uncover the stories behind the pints, from recipe innovation and branding, access to market struggles, and community impact. Expect honest conversations, brewing insights, and a few laughs along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Martin Avis
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Beer Rep Chats With
  • Show Website
    The Beer Rep Chats With

You Might Also Like