This has to be one of the most fun, most bonkers FyneFest panel discussions we’ve had so far. The premise was a simple one: We talked up our favourite traditional beer styles. Styles like bitter, mild, porter, stout and old ale. A simple premise, really, but one that proved to be really effective. Traditional beer styles and cask dispense are having what feels like a moment right now, so here’s hoping this turns out to be the beginning of something lasting, rather than a flash in the...

In this brand new episode of The Pellicle Podcast Matt catches up with Athletic Brewing Company’s co-founder Bill Shufelt during SIBA’s Beer X conference in Liverpool. We chatted about, among other things, the stratospheric growth of his brewery, their approach to producing their alcohol free products, and why the UK is a crucial market for low alcohol brands. If you’re keen to understand the dynamic alcohol free beer market, then this episode is a must-listen.

In this, the last of our podcasts to be recorded at IndyManBeerCon 2023, I speak with some fellow beer industry lifers about craft beer, and what it means for us now. With huge thanks to our guests: Cath Potter of CAMRA, Lauren Soderberg then of Port Street Beer House and now of Deya Brewery, and James Campbell of Sureshot Brewery.

In March 2024, our host Matthew Curtis visited Beer X, the annual trade show from the Society for Independent Brewers, in Liverpool, and wandered the trade floor asking members two simple questions: what’s the biggest challenge facing their business at the moment, and what’s one thing they’re feeling positive about when it comes to beer and brewing.

Yeast so often plays third fiddle in the conversation about beer, and how it’s made. It never quite shares the limelight with hops, the most glamorous beer ingredient, and to some extent malt. And yet, it’s one of the most fascinating elements within beer's makeup. In this episode we chat to Alix Blease of Lallemand, and dig into the importance of yeast in brewing.

How does the beer industry navigate a cost of living crisis? In a panel discussion recorded at IndyManBeerCon 2023, Jonny Hamilton chats to Phil Sisson from Glasgow’s Simple Things Fermentation, Julie O’Grady from Neptune Brewery in Liverpool and Toby McKenzie from RedWillow Brewery in Macclesfield to find out how the financial squeeze is affection small breweries, and their customers.

We were deeply saddened to hear that our peers at Good Beer Hunting would be closing their publication. In this episode Matthew shares some thoughts on GBH's significance, and why its more important than ever to support independent beer writing.

Recorded in the tasting room at White Peak Distillery, in this episode I chat to White Peak founder Max Vaughan about why he decided to open a distillery to the edge of the Peak District, at the water’s edge of the River Derwent. In it I learn about how the brewery is constantly pushing for more interesting flavours through the use of heritage grains and through the use of many different types of barrel. We chat about sustainability, about the state of English whisky in general, and I learn...

In our latest podcast episode we have an open discussion about sustainability in beer. Recorded live at IndyManBeerCon in October 2023, this episode features Ben Stubbs of Rivington Brew Co, Chris Drummond of Allkin Brewing, IMBC founder Jonny Heyes, and is hosted by our very own Jonny Hamilton.

In this episode Matthew chats to Alistair Morrell of Cider is Wine, a cider supplier and trade body attempting to boost the image of cider by reframing it as ‘orchard wine’. The pair sat down in Manchester’s Café Beermoth and got deep into a (healthy) debate about cider and perry, before tasting through some of Alistair’s favourites.

This episode, recorded in front of a live audience at Manchester’s IndyManBeerCon, features beer writer and author David Jesudason. Join host Matthew Curtis as he chats to David about his groundbreaking book, Desi Pubs, and how he approaches writing about beer and pubs.

Roosters Brewing Company in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has built itself a considerable reputation for making excellent beer over its 30 year history. In this pair of episodes Matthew catches up with twin brothers Tom and Ol Fozard—the commercial director and head brewer, respectively—who along with their dad, Ian, who took on the stewardship of this brewery when they acquired it from founder, Sean Franklin, in 2011.

Roosters Brewing Company in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, has built itself a considerable reputation for making excellent beer over its 30 year history. In this pair of episodes Matthew catches up with twin brothers Tom and Ol Fozard—the commercial director and head brewer, respectively—who along with their dad, Ian, who took on the stewardship of this brewery when they acquired it from founder, Sean Franklin, in 2011.

Join us for a series of panel discussions recorded at FyneFest 2023. In this episode Matthew speaks to Darron Anley (Siren Craft Brew), Vik Stronge (Magic Rock), Matt Clarke and Michelle Gay (Lakes Brew Co) and asks the question: does independence in brewing still matter?

Join us for a series of panel discussions recorded at FyneFest 2023. In this episode Matthew speaks to Sarah Luxon (Wiper & True), Jamie Delap (Fyne Ales), and Sam McMeekin (Gypsy Hill) about the efforts each of their breweries is putting towards being more sustainable, any why being planet conscious is vital for every single brewery.

Join us for a series of panel discussions recorded from FyneFest 2023. In this episode Jonny speaks to Lucy Clarke (Sureshot), Aidy Fenwick (Fyne Ales), and Dominic Driscoll (Thornbridge) about how we find and maintain our enjoyment of beer.

Join us for a series of panel discussions recorded from FyneFest 2023. In this episode Jonny speaks to Colin Strong (Salt Beer Factory), Reece Hugill (Donzoko) and Hannah Davidson (Jolly Good Beer) about what's happening in the world of British lager.

Join us for a series of panel discussions recorded from FyneFest 2023. In this episode Matthew speaks to Andy Parker (Elusive Brewing), Charlie Harding (Bonne Vivante Marketing) and Alice Hayward (Cloudwater) about that age-old subject, the price of beer.

Join Pellicle associate editor Katie Mather, as she narrates her 2020 piece: ‘Hand-Held Rebellion — An Ode to the Burger Van'. Matthew also takes the time to check in with some thoughts after a recent visit to Duration Brewing in Norfolk.

Please enjoy this wonderful interview with Theo Freyne about the brewery, DEYA, he founded in 2015. It serves as an excellent primer, whether you’re completely new to the brewery, or you’re an experienced Steady Rolling Man drinker, eager to hear more about how this beer is made. Special thanks to our pals at Loughran Brewers Select, who in addition to sponsoring our website are now also sponsoring our podcast. A double whammy of support that means more good stuff for you folks!

In this episode of The Pellicle Podcast we’re at Marble Beer in Salford, hosting a panel discussion that focuses on the recent history of the Manchester beer scene as part of the brewery's 25th anniversary celebrations. The panel features John Clarke, Stephanie Shuttleworth and Jason Menzies, and was hosted by Matthew Curtis in front of a live audience. Thanks to Marble for inviting us down to join them as they celebrated 25 years of brewing in Greater Manchester!

In this episode we head to Oxford to meet several of the folks behind local brewery Tap Social Movement. Over two interviews we’ll hear from two of the brewery’s directors, Tess Taylor and Matt Elliot, and then from its head brewer, Jason Bolger. Plus there’s plenty of time for Matt to check in with what beers and pubs he’s been enjoying lately…

Join Matthew, plus guest host Katie Mather as they chat to Topher Boehm and Chris Allen of Sydney, Australia’s Wildflower Brewing & Blending. During their trip to the UK last year, we caught up with Topher and Chris as they explored the North of England, as we settled in and opened a bottle or two in Katie’s bar, Corto.

In this week’s episode Matthew heads to Nottingham Craft Beer Week 2022, and hosts a roundtable discussion with some of the beer scene’s luminaries, including Aimee Harbison of The Barrel Drop, Lucy Simons of The Abdication, Alex Wilson of Black Iris, and Josh Mellor of Neon Raptor.