The local beer scene has come on in leaps and bounds since I first properly dipped my toes into it almost 10 years ago.
We’ve always had some fantastic breweries on our doorstep, but more recently there’s been a little explosion in small, craft microbreweries popping up. It’s great to see the industry flourish so strongly – who isn’t a fan of fresh beer brewed just down the road?
Here are some of my ‘ones to watch’ over the coming months:
Only With Love
Ever since brewers Steve and Roger came on to the scene mid-lockdown in 2020 we’ve been selling their beers and Kombuchas. Fun artwork, a focus on sustainability and quality are at the core of what these guys do. Based just outside Uckfield, they’ve been brewing an eclectic range of styles and you can really tell they love what they do. They also produce some of the best alcohol-free beer we’ve had.
360 Degree
On the other side of Uckfield we have 360 Degree, located close to Sheffield Park. Established a number of years ago, they have recently expanded, bought new kit, and over the past year or so they’ve been producing some really top hazy pales, including a really excellent English hopped one which is brewed with some experimental UK hops called All I Want Is Summer. These are a regular feature in our fridges, alongside their core beers like Green Monster and Double Act.
Merakai
This is yet another Uckfield-based brewery – yes, Uckfield seems to be the hotbed of craft beer locally! Merakai started life during lockdown and is headed up by Emma and Olly Parsons. This beer-obsessed couple have really hit the right spot. From excellent fruited sours to classic European styles and big juicy pales, they’ve got it all covered.
Beak
If you’ve not tried Beak yet, you really should. They’re regarded as one of the UK’s best right now. Their focus is on well-hopped, juicy pales with their own unique take on it (it’s a water thing). Beak is based in Lewes and we’ve had some of our favourite beers from there over recent times. Their latest release with Allkin Brewing Co (formerly the Good Things Brewery), ‘RON’, is one for anyone who loves their beers hazy, hoppy and juicy.
Now visit our website to discover your new favourite! All of these, alongside more fantastic local breweries, are available:
Also see page 28 of this week’s Times of Tunbridge Wells for wines to win!
