Sheffield launches its 12th annual Beer Week on Monday – as independent breweries and bars say they are facing increasing economic pressure.
With over 50 tap rooms, pubs and venues participating, organisers are hopeful that the city-wide trail will bring in customers and create a financial boost to local businesses during what industry leaders describe as a ‘survival crisis’.
According to figures from the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), UK brewery closures have risen sharply within the past year, amidst soaring costs and lower consumer spending.
Ethan Brown, 34, manager at independently-owned Alder Bar in Neespend, believes collaboration has become essential.
He said: “Working together, especially in this industry at the moment, is very important.”
As part of Sheffield’s Beer Week, there will be numerous tap takeovers, with individual breweries’ beers being the main or only ones on sale.
These include Triple Point at Riverside Kelham, Black Iris at Hallamshire House, Arbor Ales at The Greystones and Alder Bar’s week-long takeover by Courier Brewing.
Smaller breweries say a week-long tap takeover provides guaranteed bar space within the competitive brewery market, allowing them to showcase multiple beers to new consumers.
Selling beer directly through independent bars and taprooms means these smaller businesses keep more of the profit, rather than losing a share to large distributors, in turn bringing in extra income.
Mr Brown said: “If I go and enjoy a beer, that definitely gives me a loyalty to that brewery. Nine out of ten people always remember a good beer.”
Founded by Jules Gray, Sheffield Beer Week was created not just as a celebration of craft beer but as an economical drive, which within its first year, she said led to ‘increased footfall’, heightened ‘awareness’ and attracted tourists to Sheffield .
As costs continue to rise, events like Beer Week are becoming increasingly necessary.
Mr Brown said: “It’s a good way of getting people excited about it again and I think that’s been lost over the last few years.”
