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

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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

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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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n 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

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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