Crafty Brewing has acquired Ridgeway Brewery, forming a combined business capable of producing 100,000 litres of beer per week.
Crafty Brewing, based in Dunsfold, Surrey, produces beers including Arctic Fox Pilsner, Wave Catcher Session IPA, Distant Horizon Hazy Pale, Loxhill Biscuit Gluten-Free Golden Ale, and Blind Side Best Bitter.
Oxfordshire-headquartered Ridgeway Brewery is known for its strong export focus, with beers including Ridgeway IPA, Biter, and ESB, as well as Christmas beers such as Santa’s Butt, Bad Elf, Criminally Bad Elf, Lump of Coal, and Reindeer’s Revolt.
Ridgeway Brewery’s master brewer, Peter Scholey, founded and has run the firm since 2002, while Luke Herman created Crafty Brewing in 2014 and has led it to the present day.
Herman said: “Having grown Crafty Brewing from a 100-litre kit in a lorry body to a 5,000-litre set-up in a purpose-built facility, producing traditional beers with a modern twist, joining forces with Ridgeway was a natural next step.
“Peter brings a deep understanding of the industry, expert brewing skills and a portfolio of world-class beers. I’m thrilled to be working alongside him, learning from his experience and maintaining the Ridgeway brand he has built with such dedication. I look forward to combining our expertise, creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to quality, award-winning beer.”
Scholey added: “Any business needs a succession plan, but with brewing, it is far more than just finding a new manager. You need someone who shares your vision of what ‘good beer’ should be and I am pleased to have found that person in Luke Herman. I look forward to working alongside Luke as we explore the exciting new opportunities created.”
