Cheers! Brewer marks tenth year with award

A CRAFT ale producer celebrating its tenth year in business has kicked-off celebrations by winning an industry award.
W30C hammerpotW30C hammerpot
W30C hammerpot

Sussex brewers Hammerpot Brewery won silver for its ‘Summer’ ale in the standard bitters and pale ales category at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) South East Regional Beer Competition.

The brewery, based in Arundel Road, Poling, was competing against 315 real ale entrants from more than 70 breweries across the south east and London.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Founder and head brewer Lee Mitchell said it meant a lot for the small business to be recognised.

“These awards are among the highest accolades for craft real ale producers – so winning feels like a real stamp of quality,” he said.

“As a small local business it means everything to us to be recognised for crafting real ale that people love.

“I can’t think of a better way to begin Hammerpot’s tenth anniversary year.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The competition sees the range of beers tasted by a panel of expert brewers, publicans and ale lovers.

The award comes less than a week after Hammerpot Brewery were shortlisted as a finalist in the Sussex Food and Drink Awards, in the Drink Producer of the Year category.

The brewery will launch its tenth anniversary celebrations during Sussex County Cricket Club’s Horsham Festival of Cricket between July 19 and 27, 
where it will exclusively supply the beer marquee with real ales. Mr Mitchell will be available at ‘meet the brewer’ sessions throughout the festival.

A year of events, including brewery tours and the chance to help brew a unique anniversary beer, will follow.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hammerpot Brewery is nestled at the foot of the South Downs, just outside Arundel.

Mr Mitchell said its ten-barrel plant has become one of the most established modern microbreweries in the region, known for its hand-crafted real ales, sold at pubs and farmers’ markets across the south east.

The brewery won its first award in 2006 – a year after beginning brewing – and its Bottle Wreck Porter was crowned Champion Porter of Britain in 2012.