Box Steam Brewery master brewer Philip Downes in front of the new billboard ad
A Wiltshire brewery is making a stand against what it sees as the encroachment of national brands into its local market.
Frustrated that beers like Sharp’s Doom Bar are taking over pumps on bars across its county, Box Steam has erected a provocative ad in a field on the borders of Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol. The ad depicts a noble knight astride the iconic white horse of Westbury, doing battle with his nemesis.
Family owned and run Box Steam is proudly independent and home to one of only a handful of master brewers still working in the UK. It believes beer is at its best when it’s brewed by hand, using the best Warminster malts, reflecting regional character.
Managing director, Andy Roberts, said: “We supply cask and bottled beers to pubs, bars, restaurants and shops across Wiltshire. But we keep coming up against Doom Bar and other national beer brands. We work hard to sell our award-winning Tunnel Vision and other ales. I’m sure it’s the same for other small brewers.”
The brewery is working with local pubs across Wiltshire, Bath and Bristol to offer beer fans the chance to try its real ale, Tunnel Vision, as an alternative to the ubiquitous Doom Bar.
Andy added: “We thought it was time to make our voice heard and fight our corner on behalf of smaller brewers. This is our patch and we’re proud to lead the charge for Wiltshire beer.”
James Nicholl, senior brand manager at Sharp’s Brewery, said: “We are delighted that Doom Bar can stand alongside Tunnel Vision and Box Steam’s beers on the bars of Wiltshire and congratulate them on their recent award wins at the International Beer Challenge.”
“Much like Box Steam Brewery, we started Sharp’s as a small microbrewery here in Rock, Cornwall, back in 1994 and we never dreamt our beer would prove so popular that consumers and customers would choose it to become the number one cask and bottled ale in the country.
“We’re super proud of what we have achieved, our Cornish roots, our Cornish home and our Cornish team, and the support of Molson Coors which enables us to keep up with the extraordinary demand for our beer. Cheers to great beer and to an ever-growing and exciting beer market.
“PS: we’d rather sit down for a beer than a have a joust, that’s just our Cornish way.”
