Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse, in Crewe, has become the holder of two top beer festival awards within the space of two weeks.
Brewers Sean Ayling and Robert ‘Chad’ Chadwick. Photograph: Alexander Greensmith, Crewe Nub News
The brewery made its mark at Chester Real Ale and Cider Festival, where the Chester and South Clwyd branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) gave its Dark Mild joint first place.
Then, at Chorlton Beer Festival, the brewer won overall beer of the festival with Ey Up Treacle, a foreign extra stout, created in collaboration with Blackjack Brewery.
“I’ve always known our beer is decent, but it has taken a while for it to make it into festivals in cask,” said Sean Ayling, co-owner and head brewer at Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse.
Sean has taken on the responsibility of training another brewer, Robert ‘Chad’ Chadwick, who is now a respected brewer in his own right.
“At the time, I could barely afford to pay myself, much less anyone else!” said Sean. “But Chad was very keen to learn as much as I could teach him, and he volunteered for just over a year before we took him on full time.”
Sean added: “I am always motivated to consistently develop and improve our beer. My definition of a good beer is layers of flavour if I’m drinking a stout, thirst-quenching drinkability in a pale or a lager.”
You can find both the award-winning beers on the bar at Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse, but you’re advised to check ahead for availability.
Tom’s Tap and Brewhouse is a small independent brewery, bar, and venue. It was established in 2018 by Sean and Jacqui Ayling. Sean was previously the head brewer at Pig and Porter, in Kent, and has established a reputation for brewing quality beer. Jacqui has been active in promoting craft cider in the area and received an award for services to cider from South Cheshire CAMRA in 2022.
