A SOUTH Cumbria brewery has been awarded the title of Brewer’s Journal’s Best New Brewery in the UK by a panel of esteemed judges. 

Since its formation in 2021, Lakes Brew Co's mission was to bring innovative, local, and independent brewing back to the Lakes, focusing on accessible modern beers, with clean concise branding that reflects the heartland they love and produce for. 

Producing beers not only for the craft beer elite but for everyone to enjoy, this is also reflected in another win for the brewery with them being awarded two gold medals at the Society of Independent Brewers - North West Can and Bottle Awards for their NZ Pilsner, also picking up Best in Category for their NE Session IPA.

Co-founder Michelle Gay said: "We are very honoured to win such awards, especially with the quality of the breweries in the UK at the moment and in such difficult times. 

"We appreciate the support we have received and also gives us more fire to keep creating great beer."

READ MORE: Brewery celebrates one year of business with the launch of three new beers

The brewery has seen soaring demand for its beers across the UK, which has led to demand outstripping supply.

This means the small team of five has been brewing to capacity at least four times a week, canning in-house and delivering locally and across the North West to local pubs, craft beer bars, and small independent artisanal shops. 

Embracing the Lakes mentality of local and small innovation, it has been working alongside respected independent businesses such as Fold Coffee, Neaum Kitchen, Joey's Cafe, and supplying esteemed establishments like Tweedies in Grasmere, The New Union and Indie Craft Beer in Kendal and Heft at High Newton to name a few. 

As they begin their second year of brewing they are looking to the future and have invested back into the brewery, installing solar power to help with their energy footprint and environmental impact, which is something close to their hearts.

You can find this award-winning brewery in the heart of Kendal on Mintsfeet Industrial Estate, where they have monthly pop-up tap room where you can see the brewery, meet the team, and drink their award-winning beers.