The Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) has published the shortlist ahead of its Business Awards ceremony next month. Here are four companies celebrating.
Amity Brew Co has been nominated for best independent brewery taproom and best independent brewery webshop. The business was founded by Russ Clarke, Richard Degnan, and Verity Clarke. Since launch, the team of 13 has collaborated with the UK’s best breweries, consistently selling out its beer, and picking up several awards.
“Amity Brew Co is not just a brewery,” said Russ. “We’re a community hub, a champion of diversity, and a purveyor of exceptional beer. Our core values of friendship, community, and good beer are expressed via our venue and team, making Amity Brew Co a taproom triumph and a source of pride for Farsley and beyond.”
Amity Brew Co’s stellar webshop achievements are even more noteworthy considering the absence of additional funding since its inception in 2020. The entire trajectory has been driven by director Rich Degnan, an ecommerce specialist from BeerHawk and Vocation who joined the business full time in December 2022.
He said: “We have not only achieved remarkable year-on-year KPI improvements, but have also implemented a range of innovative features and initiatives to enhance the online shopping experience. Our commitment to customer satisfaction, product quality, and continuous improvement positions us as a strong contender for the best webshop award.”
The Bailey Head, in Oswestry, is a finalist in the category for best rural craft beer pub or bar. The Oswestry pub won the top spot in 2020 and has made it to the final few for six of the last seven years.
“We are delighted to make it into the finals again,” said landlady Grace Goodlad. “This award is from the brewing industry and it’s good to know that we are seen as a top-tier craft beer venue by the country’s independent brewers.
“We work incredibly hard on beer quality, and it is such a boost to be recognised in this way. We are stunned to achieved this for the sixth time.”
Duncan Borrowman, Grace’s husband and landlord of the pub, added: “I spend thousands of hours a year working in the cellar and on managing our beer. This recognition means a huge amount to us.
“I am very proud to have been named in the national finals again, but also intensely grateful to our staff, customers, and suppliers for all their hard work and support, which has been very important in us getting there.”
Craft beer subscription service Beer Dad is a finalist in the best independent craft beer retailer category. Founded in July 2023, it aimed to revolutionise the beer subscription service experience by offering unparalleled personalisation and control to its customers while championing the vibrant indie craft beer scene in the UK.
“We are delighted to be recognised by SIBA for our business in such a competitive marketplace,” said founder Jamie Percival. “This reminds us that our mission to support indie breweries and provide a first-class customer experience is pivotal and never to be taken for granted.
“We want to always exceed expectations, and this recognition will spur us on to continue to improve and take the personalisation of our subscription and service even further.”
Windsor-based Indie Rabble Brewery has been shortlised in the category for best new independent craft brewery and also for best collaboration.
Being twice nominated in such a huge national award is a massive honour for Indie Rabble, co- owned by Dave and Naomi (also of A Hoppy Place, a craft beer pub and bottleshop with outlets in both Windsor and Maidenhead), head brewer Alex and his fianceé Alison. The foursome plus wider team will be heading to Liverpool in March hoping for good news and to celebrate a win.
