In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Elizabeth Townsend, co-founder of Kerroo Brewing on the Isle of Man, to explore the realities of building an independent brewery in a unique island environment.

Elizabeth shares the story behind starting Kerroo Brewing, the motivations that drove her into brewing, and how location influences everything from sourcing ingredients and logistics to distribution and community connection. We discuss the opportunities and challenges of brewing outside major UK beer hubs, access to market, and how independent breweries can carve out their identity while staying true to quality and sustainability.

From early beginnings to future ambitions, this conversation offers an honest insight into the resilience, creativity, and passion required to build a modern independent brewery.

Kerroo Links:

Website - https://kerroo.myshopify.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kerroobrewing

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kerroobrewing

Untappd - https://untappd.com/v/kerroo-brewing-company/12535581

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction & Beginnings

03:16 - Deciding to Start a Brewery Together

05:13 - The Isle of Man Beer Scene

06:54 - The Reality of Starting Up

08:56 - Craft Inspiration & Influence

11:16 - Opening the Taproom Before the Brewery

15:43 - Brewing Identity & Island Logistics

19:47 - Local Drinker Behaviour

24:56 - The Story Behind the Name Kerroo

29:45 - Future Plans & Collaborations

35:28 - Independent Brewing Today

36:51 - Advice for Anyone Starting a Brewery

40:53 - Final Thoughts & Wrap-Up

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In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Matt Gorecki from Zapato Brewing to explore the realities of building an independent brewery in today’s UK beer landscape.

Matt shares the story behind Zapato Brewing — from early days working in hospitality and beer festivals to launching a nomadic brewery, navigating the pandemic, and building a thriving taproom inside a converted Victorian mill in Marsden.

The conversation dives into the challenges facing independent brewers today, including market saturation, the dominance of big brands on tap lines, the evolution of craft beer trends, and why balance and complexity matter more than hype.

They also discuss collaboration culture, the rise and fall of double IPAs, British vs international hops, and Zapato’s plans to finally install their own brewing kit and expand production.

If you’re interested in independent beer, brewing philosophy, or the future of the UK craft beer scene — this episode offers an honest and insightful perspective from someone deeply embedded in the industry.


Links:
Subscribe to the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/TheBeerRepChatsWith

Zapato Website: https://zapatobrewing.com/

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The Beer Rep Chats With celebrates the UK’s independent beer scene. Join me as I chat with brewers, brewery founders, and the people shaping the future of independent beer. Expect stories, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the art, science, and culture of independent beer.

Follow us so you never miss a conversation with the people making the beer you love.

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In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin is joined by Peter Kennelly, Head of Sales at Pillars Brewery, London’s first independent brewery dedicated exclusively to lager.

Peter shares his journey through the UK beer industry, from hospitality, BrewDog and Siren Craft Brew, to how he found himself helping grow one of the country’s most respected premium lager breweries. Together, they explore why brewing great lager is so hard, why there’s “nowhere to hide” with the style, and how UK lager has quietly undergone a quality revolution.

The conversation covers the realities of selling beer in today’s pub market, the dominance of global brands, why independent breweries struggle for access, and how education, serve quality, and attention to detail can change how people think about lager. Peter also dives into perfect pours, glassware, food pairings, and why restaurants are increasingly embracing independent lager.

It’s an honest, wide-ranging chat about lager, hospitality, independent brewing, and why supporting local beer really matters.

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In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Dominic Driscoll, Production Manager and award-winning brewer at Thornbridge Brewery.

Dominic shares his journey into brewing, from early days at Marble Brewery to helping shape one of the UK’s most respected independent breweries. The conversation explores how the UK beer scene has evolved over the last 20 years, why Jaipur became such a defining beer, and how Thornbridge balances tradition, consistency, and innovation.

We dive deep into Thornbridge’s historic Union brewing system, what makes it different from modern fermentation, and why it has re-energised the brewery’s creativity. Dominic also talks collaboration brewing, working with breweries like Northern Monk, and what brewers can learn from each other by sharing knowledge.

The episode also covers the challenge of alcohol-free brewing, what really matters when making great beer, and why process and teamwork are more important than chasing hype ingredients.

A must-listen for brewers, beer lovers, and anyone interested in how great beer is made — and why Thornbridge continues to set the standard.

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In the final episode of The Fab Four series, Martin sits down with Ben Saward and Simon Whittington from Muntons to explore the malt that shapes every beer we drink. They break down the malting process of steeping, germination, and kilning, and explain the differences between base malts, specialty malts, roasted malts, and adjuncts.

The conversation dives into brewing science, malt extract, consistency, kernel size, modification, and how malt affects everything from lagers to hazy IPAs. Ben and Simon also talk openly about the challenges of the 2025 barley harvest, sustainability, regenerative farming, and the innovations Muntons are developing for malt extract.

Whether you’re a pro brewer, an ambitious homebrewer, or simply a beer lover wanting to understand what’s in your glass, this episode is packed with knowledge and practical insight.

Topics include:
• How malt is made and why it matters
• Base vs specialty malts and when to use each
• The impact of weather and farming on barley quality
• Sustainable malting and regenerative agriculture
• Using malt extract for consistency and efficiency
• Innovations in low/no-alcohol brewing

A brilliant finish to The Fab Four series and essential listening for anyone in the beer world.

Muntons Homebrewing Supplies: https://www.muntons.com/home-brewing-supplies/

Muntons History: https://www.muntons.com/history/

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This episode is Part Three of The Fab Four Series, where Martin breaks down the core foundations of brewing with industry experts.

Martin is joined by Iain Kenny of Murphy & Son for a practical and approachable look at how water treatment impacts beer.
They discuss how water chemistry shapes beer styles, the challenges brewers commonly face, how to build accurate water profiles, and the importance of brewing salts and chloride–sulphate balance.

Iain also explains Burtonisation and highlights useful Murphy & Son resources that help brewers improve their water quality.

A valuable, easy-to-follow episode for brewers and beer fans continuing the journey through the Fab Four Series.

Little Book of Secrets – Liquor Edition:
https://www.murphyandson.co.uk/wine-cider-brochures/

The Malt Miller Water Report:
https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/product/advanced-water-report-from-murphy-sons/

About Murphy & Son:
https://www.murphyandson.co.uk/about-us/

All Podcast Episodes:
https://thebeerrep.com/podcast-episodes/

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In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin continues The Fab Four mini-series exploring the four core ingredients of beer, this time focusing on the unsung hero of brewing — yeast.

Joining him is Paul Malcolm from WHC Lab, a biotechnology company based in Ireland that’s leading innovation in yeast and fermentation. Together, they dive deep into how yeast shapes the flavour, aroma, and mouthfeel of beer, and why it deserves far more recognition than it gets.

Paul explains the differences between liquid and dry yeast, the science behind yeast selection, and how WHC’s cutting-edge research is helping brewers improve quality and consistency. They discuss yeast’s crucial role in the rise of low and no alcohol beers, the challenge of creating flavourful low-ABV options, and how new yeast strains are tackling body, balance, and mouthfeel.

From ancient yeast discoveries to next-generation hybrids, this episode reveals just how dynamic and exciting the world of yeast really is. Whether you’re a brewer, beer geek, or curious drinker, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the tiny organism that makes every pint possible.

About WHC Lab:
https://www.whclab.com/

All Podcast Episodes:
https://thebeerrep.com/podcast-episodes/

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Martin chats with Dale Harvey, founder of The Great British Pub Crawl, who’s on a mission to visit every pub in Britain. Dale shares how a small challenge in Nottinghamshire turned into a nationwide campaign to celebrate and save the great British boozer.

They discuss the state of the UK’s pubs — rising costs, pubco restrictions, government inaction, and why these community hubs are vital for culture, tourism, and mental health. Dale highlights the rise of micro pubs as the future of independent beer, the importance of fairer tax for hospitality, and his plans for a new Great British Pub Crawl App to help drinkers discover and support local pubs.

From calling out corporate “support” campaigns to sharing stories of communities buying back their locals, this episode is both passionate and eye-opening. If you care about beer, pubs, and keeping the UK’s social heart beating, this one’s for you.

Follow The Great British Pub Crawl:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatbritishpubcrawl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatBritishPubCrawl
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegreatbritishpubcrawl

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In this episode of The Beer Rep Chats With, Martin sits down with Jacob, Head Brewer at Hackney Church Brew Co to explore his inspiring path from training as a contemporary dancer to head brewer.

Jacob shares the story behind Hackney Church Brew Co, a London-based independent brewery that’s all about community, creativity, and great beer. He talks about his brewing philosophy, how the team develops new recipes, and what it means to create beers that welcome everyone — from casual drinkers to passionate beer fans.

We also dive into upcoming collaborations, the future brewery move to a new home, the importance of diversity in beer, and advice for home brewers looking to take the next step.

Whether you’re a craft beer lover, a brewer in the making, or just curious about the people behind the beers, this episode gives you a fresh look at the art and community of brewing in East London.

Subscribe to our channel and drop us a comment about the episode.

Follow Hackney Church Brew Co: https://www.instagram.com/hackneychurchbrewco/

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