Redundancy is something a lot of people in the brewing industry have become familiar with during the past few months, none more so than former employees of Hawkshead Brewery.

At the beginning of the first lockdown restrictions last year, four of the award-winning team decided it was time to focus on the independent beer scene that they loved, and with that, Lakes Brew Co. was born. Co-founders Matt Clarke, Michelle Gay, Steve Ricketts and Paul Sheldon have come together to create the brewery that can be everything they want it to be – progressive, innovative, and reflective of their own ethos and attitudes.

Michelle says “This opportunity has come out of adversity. What most people would regard as a disaster – when we lost our jobs – means we can now build something fresh and new.”

A sociably innovative, progressive brewery

The first beers should be ready in June, and will be available in cask, keg, and can. The new brewery will be in the heart of Kendal, with a bespoke 16hl brew kit, canning line and a proposed pop-up taproom,  providing fresh off the line beer to the craft beer scene in the Lake District.

Brewer Matt will be creating a range of modern beer styles, focusing on freshness and quality, and using innovative ingredients including new hop varieties and yeast strains. Matt says “We really look forward to working alongside like-minded artisanal businesses in the Lake District’s food and drink scene and collaborating with other Cumbrian businesses.”

The future of beer in the Lakes just got a whole lot more interesting, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!

The Team

(from left to right)

• Paul Sheldon – Co-Founder & Finance Director
• Michelle Gay – Co-Founder & Creative Director
• Steve Ricketts – Co-Founder & Managing Director
• Matt Clarke – Co-Founder & Head Brewer