SOUTH CUMBRIAN BREWERY CELEBRATES FIVE SUCCESSFUL YEARS IN BUSINESS

A South Cumbrian brewery is celebrating five years in business after building a strong reputation for award winning beers, innovative brewing and continued growth since its launch in 2021.

Based in Kendal, Lakes Brew Co has grown from a small independent brewery into one of the region's best known craft beer producers. The business currently employs a core team of five people and has gained national recognition for both the quality of its beers and its creative branding and design.

Over the past five years, the brewery has collected multiple industry awards, including being named the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) overall national champion on two separate occasions with different beers. It has also twice reached the finals of the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain competition, underlining its growing reputation within the UK's independent brewing sector.

A major milestone came in December 2025 when the company opened its first permanent taproom in Ambleside. The venue, which operates seven days a week, includes a beer garden beside Stock Ghyll and has become a popular destination for both local residents and visitors looking to sample the brewery's range of craft beers.

The celebrations continued with the brewery's monthly pop up tap event in Kendal, where supporters gathered over two days to mark the company's fifth anniversary. Organisers described the event as their most successful yet, reflecting the growing support the brewery has received from customers and the wider community since it was established.

The brewery has also earned the confidence of suppliers and industry partners, having been selected to trial new hop varieties, hop products and yeast strains before they become commercially available. Such opportunities are typically offered to respected breweries with a proven record of producing consistently high quality beers and experimenting with new brewing techniques.

As it looks ahead to the future, the business plans to continue building on its success through innovation, quality brewing and closer engagement with customers. The fifth anniversary marks an important milestone in the company's journey and highlights the growing strength of Cumbria's independent brewing industry, with local producers continuing to gain recognition on the national stage.

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