Crafty Brewing has acquired Ridgeway Brewery, bringing together brewers who consistently create high-quality beers, while being environmentally considerate.
Luke Herman (left), of Crafty Brewing, with Ridgeway Brewery’s Peter Scholey
Both breweries have successfully navigated the choppy waters of the pandemic, coming out stronger and with a focus on specialist markets and innovation.
The combined business can produce 100,000 litres of beer per week. The beers are destined for export, supermarkets, pubs, restaurants, the British Army, and sports/entertainment venues, as well as a growing consumer market.
“Any business needs a succession plan, but with brewing it is far more than just finding a new manager,” said master brewer Peter Scholey, who founded Ridgeway Brewery in 2002.
“You need someone who shares your vision of what ‘good beer’ should be, and I am pleased to have found that person in Luke Herman. I look forward to working alongside Luke as we explore the exciting new opportunities created.”
Based in Oxfordshire, the Ridgeway Brewery is particularly known for its strong export focus, beers including Ridgeway IPA, Biter, and ESB, and a range of whimsically-named Christmas Beers, such as Santa’s Butt, Bad Elf, Criminally Bad Elf, Lump of Coal, and Reindeer’s Revolt.
Luke, who founded Crafty Brewing in 2014, said: “Having grown Crafty Brewing from a 100-litre kit in a lorry body to a 5,000-litre set-up in a purpose-built facility, producing traditional beers with a modern twist, joining forces with Ridgeway was a natural next step.
“Peter brings a deep understanding of the industry, expert brewing skills, and a portfolio of world-class beers. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him, learning from his experience, and maintaining the Ridgeway brand he has built with such dedication.
“I look forward to combining our expertise, creativity, enthusiasm, and commitment to quality, award-winning beer.”
Based in Dunsfold, Surrey, Crafty Brewing produces award-winning beers such as Arctic Fox pilsner, Wave Catcher session IPA, Distant Horizon hazy pale, Loxhill Biscuit gluten-free golden ale, and Blind Side best bitter. They also received the SIBA Business Innovation award in 2024 for their range of fully personalised beers. Customers can have total creative control of designing their own labels for gifting.
