Kendal brewery Lakes Brew Co has been named the best newcomer in the UK by a prestigious industry journal.
The brewery was set up in 2021 by Michelle Gay, Matt Clarke, Steve Ricketts and Paul Sheldon, who were formerly employed by Hawkshead Brewery at Staveley.
When they were made redundant, they decided to set up a new firm. Michelle said: “Our mission was to bring innovative, local and independent brewing to the Lakes, focusing on accessible modern beers, with clean concise branding that reflects the very heartland they love and produce for.”
It has been named the best new brewery in the UK by the Brewer’s Journal.
But it is just the latest in a line of wins for the brewery, which has also picked up two gold medals at the Society of Independent Brewers, North West Can and Bottle Awards for its NZ Pilsner, which also picked up best in category and NE Session IPA.
Michelle added: “We are very honoured to win such awards, especially with the quality of the breweries in the UK at the moment and in such difficult times. We
appreciate the support we have received and also gives us more fire to keep creating great beer.”
The brewery, she said, had seen unprecedented demand for their beers across the UK, which led to demand outstripping supply and the five-strong team brewing to capacity at least four times a week, canning in house and delivering locally and across the North West to local pubs, craft beer bars and small independent artisanal shops.
Michelle added: “As we begin their second year of brewing we are looking to the future and have invested back into the brewery, installing solar power helping with their energy footprint and environmental impact, which is something close to our hearts.”
The brewery is based on the Mintsfeet Industrial Estate.
