The Beer Rep Chats With

Martin Avis
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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. The Journey of Abyss Brewing

    1D AGO

    The Journey of Abyss Brewing

    From brewing 100-litre batches beneath a 16th-century pub to building a thriving modern brewery and taproom, this episode dives deep into the journey of Abyss Brewing with founders Andrew and Andy. We explore how a passion for hoppy beers, inspired by early UK craft pioneers and US influences, turned into a business built on creativity, community, and constant evolution. Starting under The Pelham Arms in Lewes, Abyss Brewing grew through experimentation, self-funding, and a relentless focus on quality. The conversation covers the realities of scaling a brewery, from the leap into larger production and navigating cash flow challenges, to the unexpected impact of COVID-19, which pushed the team into canning, direct-to-consumer sales, and building a loyal local following. Andrew and Andy also share insights into: Their brewing philosophy and how it’s evolved over time Why water chemistry is crucial to great beer The role of collaborations in pushing creativity How taprooms and community drive independent brewery success Trends shaping UK craft beer, from hazy IPAs to the rise of lagers Plus, we get into beer naming, brewery culture (including collaboration day “standards”), and what’s next for Abyss Brewing including festivals, new styles, and future expansion. If you’re into craft beer, brewing, or the business behind it, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, and a proper look behind the scenes of a modern independent brewery. Featured beers include: Dank Marvin IPA, Super Fuzz, Tropical Thunder, and more.  Watch more at https://beerrepchats.com Abyss Links Website: https://abyssbrewing.co.uk Insta: https://www.instagram.com/abyssbrewing Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abyssbrewing UnTappd: https://untappd.com/ABYSSBrewing Chapters 00:00 - 01:37 Introduction to Abyss Brewing 01:38 - 06:03 The Journey to Brewing Passion 06:04 - 10:44 Navigating Growth and Challenges 10:45 - 17:23 Defining Abyss Brewing's Identity 17:24 - 19:42 The Importance of Collaboration 19:43 - 23:02 The Brewing Process: Inspiration and Ingredients 23:03 - 26:24 Evolving Brewing Philosophies 26:25 - 30:31 Challenges in the UK Beer Market 30:32 - 33:52 The Importance of Community and Tap Rooms 33:53 - 36:31 Future Plans and Innovations 36:32 - 39:38 Signature Beers and Creative Naming 39:38 - Final Words from Abyss See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  2. The Rise of Indie Beer with Neil Walker

    MAR 16

    The Rise of Indie Beer with Neil Walker

    In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, I’m joined once again by Neil Walker from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates to reflect on the progress of the Indie Beer Campaign one year after its launch. When Neil first joined me on the podcast, the campaign had only just begun. Now, twelve months later, we look at how the movement has grown across the UK, with hundreds of breweries joining the initiative and increasing awareness among drinkers about what truly defines an independent brewery. We also dive into retail partnerships, including the launch of an Indie Beer section with Waitrose, the growing support from pubs and venues, and the wider challenges independent breweries still face when trying to access the market. Neil also discusses how the campaign connects with the wider work of SIBA, including events like BeerX — the UK’s largest independent brewing trade show — where breweries, suppliers, and industry professionals come together to share knowledge, celebrate beer, and discuss the future of the sector. From supermarket listings and consumer education to industry events and the upcoming Indie Beer Week, this conversation explores what it really takes to support independent breweries in today’s beer landscape. LINKS: Indie Beer Campaign: https://indiebeer.uk/ BeerX: https://www.beerx.org/ SIBA: https://siba.co.uk/ PODCAST: Website: https://www.beerrepchats.com/ CHAPTERS: 00:00 - 01:09 Welcoming Neil Walker Back to the Podcast 01:10 - 04:36 One Year of the Indie Beer Campaign 04:37 - 11:57 The Waitrose Indie Beer Section 11:58 - 15:30 The Challenges Independent Breweries Still Face 15:31 - 21:48 The Fight for Indie Beer in UK Pubs 21:49 - 28:10 BeerX: The UK’s Biggest Independent Brewing Event 28:11 - 30:14 Maximising Opportunities at BeerX 30:15 - 38:46 Indie Beer Awards & The World Beer Cup 38:47 - 42:42 Engaging with SIBA and the Indie Beer Campaign 42:43 - Wrap Up & Outro See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  3. Building an Independent Brewery on the Isle of Man

    MAR 2

    Building an Independent Brewery on the Isle of Man

    In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Elizabeth Townsend, co-founder of Kerroo Brewing on the Isle of Man, to explore the realities of building an independent brewery in a unique island environment. Elizabeth shares the story behind starting Kerroo Brewing, the motivations that drove her into brewing, and how location influences everything from sourcing ingredients and logistics to distribution and community connection. We discuss the opportunities and challenges of brewing outside major UK beer hubs, access to market, and how independent breweries can carve out their identity while staying true to quality and sustainability. From early beginnings to future ambitions, this conversation offers an honest insight into the resilience, creativity, and passion required to build a modern independent brewery. Kerroo Links: Website - https://kerroo.myshopify.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kerroobrewing Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerroobrewing Untappd - https://untappd.com/v/kerroo-brewing-company/12535581 Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction & Beginnings 03:16 - Deciding to Start a Brewery Together 05:13 - The Isle of Man Beer Scene 06:54 - The Reality of Starting Up 08:56 - Craft Inspiration & Influence 11:16 - Opening the Taproom Before the Brewery 15:43 - Brewing Identity & Island Logistics 19:47 - Local Drinker Behaviour 24:56 - The Story Behind the Name Kerroo 29:45 - Future Plans & Collaborations 35:28 - Independent Brewing Today 36:51 - Advice for Anyone Starting a Brewery 40:53 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  4. Zapato Brewing & The Reality of UK Craft Beer with Matt Gorecki

    FEB 16

    Zapato Brewing & The Reality of UK Craft Beer with Matt Gorecki

    In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Matt Gorecki from Zapato Brewing to explore the realities of building an independent brewery in today’s UK beer landscape. Matt shares the story behind Zapato Brewing — from early days working in hospitality and beer festivals to launching a nomadic brewery, navigating the pandemic, and building a thriving taproom inside a converted Victorian mill in Marsden. The conversation dives into the challenges facing independent brewers today, including market saturation, the dominance of big brands on tap lines, the evolution of craft beer trends, and why balance and complexity matter more than hype. They also discuss collaboration culture, the rise and fall of double IPAs, British vs international hops, and Zapato’s plans to finally install their own brewing kit and expand production. If you’re interested in independent beer, brewing philosophy, or the future of the UK craft beer scene — this episode offers an honest and insightful perspective from someone deeply embedded in the industry. Links: Subscribe to the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/TheBeerRepChatsWith Zapato Website: https://zapatobrewing.com/ Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message! Support the show Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min

  5. FEB 5

    The Beer Rep Chats With Podcast Trailer

    The Beer Rep Chats With celebrates the UK’s independent beer scene. Join me as I chat with brewers, brewery founders, and the people shaping the future of independent beer. Expect stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the art, science, and culture of independent beer. Follow us so you never miss a conversation with the people making the beer you love. Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message! Support the show Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 min
  6. Pillars Brewery: Crafting Quality Lagers in London With Peter Kennelly

    FEB 2

    Pillars Brewery: Crafting Quality Lagers in London With Peter Kennelly

    In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin is joined by Peter Kennelly, Head of Sales at Pillars Brewery, London’s first independent brewery dedicated exclusively to lager. Peter shares his journey through the UK beer industry, from hospitality, BrewDog and Siren Craft Brew, to how he found himself helping grow one of the country’s most respected premium lager breweries. Together, they explore why brewing great lager is so hard, why there’s “nowhere to hide” with the style, and how UK lager has quietly undergone a quality revolution. The conversation covers the realities of selling beer in today’s pub market, the dominance of global brands, why independent breweries struggle for access, and how education, serve quality, and attention to detail can change how people think about lager. Peter also dives into perfect pours, glassware, food pairings, and why restaurants are increasingly embracing independent lager. It’s an honest, wide-ranging chat about lager, hospitality, independent brewing, and why supporting local beer really matters. Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message! Support the show Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  7. How Great Teams Build Great Beer with Dominic Driscoll of Thornbridge Brewery

    JAN 12

    How Great Teams Build Great Beer with Dominic Driscoll of Thornbridge Brewery

    In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Dominic Driscoll, Production Manager and award-winning brewer at Thornbridge Brewery. Dominic shares his journey into brewing, from early days at Marble Brewery to helping shape one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries. The conversation explores how the UK beer scene has evolved over the last 20 years, why Jaipur became such a defining beer, and how Thornbridge balances tradition, consistency, and innovation. We dive deep into Thornbridge’s historic Union brewing system, what makes it different from modern fermentation, and why it has re-energised the brewery’s creativity. Dominic also talks collaboration brewing, working with breweries like Northern Monk, and what brewers can learn from each other by sharing knowledge. The episode also covers the challenge of alcohol-free brewing, what really matters when making great beer, and why process and teamwork are more important than chasing hype ingredients. A must-listen for brewers, beer lovers, and anyone interested in how great beer is made — and why Thornbridge continues to set the standard. Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message! Support the show Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min
  8. The Fab Four: Malt With Ben & Simon of Muntons

    12/15/2025 ·  BONUS

    The Fab Four: Malt With Ben & Simon of Muntons

    In the final episode of The Fab Four series, Martin sits down with Ben Saward and Simon Whittington from Muntons to explore the malt that shapes every beer we drink. They break down the malting process of steeping, germination, and kilning, and explain the differences between base malts, specialty malts, roasted malts, and adjuncts. The conversation dives into brewing science, malt extract, consistency, kernel size, modification, and how malt affects everything from lagers to hazy IPAs. Ben and Simon also talk openly about the challenges of the 2025 barley harvest, sustainability, regenerative farming, and the innovations Muntons are developing for malt extract. Whether you’re a pro brewer, an ambitious homebrewer, or simply a beer lover wanting to understand what’s in your glass, this episode is packed with knowledge and practical insight. Topics include: • How malt is made and why it matters • Base vs specialty malts and when to use each • The impact of weather and farming on barley quality • Sustainable malting and regenerative agriculture • Using malt extract for consistency and efficiency • Innovations in low/no-alcohol brewing A brilliant finish to The Fab Four series and essential listening for anyone in the beer world. Muntons Homebrewing Supplies: https://www.muntons.com/home-brewing-supplies/ Muntons History: https://www.muntons.com/history/ Have any questions about the show? Drop us a message! Support the show Instagram https://instagram.com/thebeerrepchatswith TikTok https://tiktok.com/@thebeerrepuk YouTube https://youtube.com/@thebeerrepchatswith Facebook https://facebook.com/thebeerrepchatswith See more at beerrepchats.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
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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
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Beer Rep Chats With
  • Show Website
    The Beer Rep Chats With

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