In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin speaks with Ash Corbett-Collins, Chairman of CAMRA, about the growing challenges facing UK pubs and independent breweries.

From pub closures and rising costs to the lack of access to market, this conversation dives into why it’s becoming harder for drinkers to find local, independent beer—and what needs to change.

Ash also shares insights on CAMRA’s future strategy, the end of the Great British Beer Festival, and whether micro pubs could help keep cask beer alive.

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Pod Website

https://www.beerrepchats.com/

Become a member of CAMRA:

https://camra.org.uk/membership

Society of Independent Brewers & Associates

https://siba.co.uk/

CHAPTERS

00:00 - 04:40 A Difficult Year for CAMRA

04:41 - 08:38 CAMRA’s New Strategy & Future Focus

08:39 - 12:55 The “Illusion of Choice” in UK Pubs Explained

12:56 - 17:27 Trade Bodies, Government & Industry Challenges

17:28 - 19:20 Are More UK Pubs Going to Close?

19:21 - 26:54 Listener Question: Market Control & Super Complaints

26:55 - 31:14 The Role of Micro Pubs in Supporting Independent Breweries

31:15 - 40:56 Positive Changes in Northern Ireland's Beer Scene

40:57 - 49:07 Cask Beer as Cultural Heritage

49:08 - 50:17 CAMRA Members Weekend in St Albans

See more at beerrepchats.com

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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

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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:

All links: https://linktr.ee/TheBeerRepChatsWith

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

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