Thornbridge Brewery named SIBA’s “Brewery Business of the Year 2024” in a glitzing night for the independent beer industry
The winners in the SIBA Business Awards 2024 have today been revealed – highlighting the very best beer businesses across the UK – including breweries, pubs, taprooms and bottle shops Thornbridge Brewery in Bakewell, Derbyshire, took home this year’s top award, being named ‘SIBA Brewery Business of the Year 2024’ in what was a glitzing night for the indie beer and brewing industry.
Presenting the awards was writer and broadcaster Pete Brown, who commented, “Thornbridge are a superb beer business who impressed judges across the board, winning out with superb entries in some of the awards’ toughest categories. Huge congratulations to the Thornbrdige team.”
The SIBA Business Awards are judged by a panel of independent beer industry experts, and organised by not-for-profit trade association the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates. The awards cover everything from brewery marketing, design and innovation, to efforts to make businesses more sustainable or impactful.
The 2024 awards also for the first time included a new “Collaboration” Award, which was won again by Thornbridge for their collaboration with Czech brewery Budvar on their popular ‘Czech Mates’ beer – the first ever collaboration for the 128-year-old Czech brewery.
The new Collaboration award aims to highlight the incredibly collaborative nature of the independent brewing industry and was one of the awards’ most entered categories. Also new for 2024 was the ‘Brewers’ Brewer of the Year’ award, which was won by Jamie Delap of Fynes Ales. Pete Brown commented in presenting, “Jamie’s tireless work fighting on behalf of independent brewers against the unworkable Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland was clearly hugely appreciated and has had a real impact on other brewing businesses who voted for this award.”
Joining the expert judging panel for 2024 were Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive; Steve Alton, Chief Executive of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII); Ellie Hudspith, Senior Campaigns Manager at CAMRA; Jo Hunter, Interior & Architectural Design expert and founder of Hunter’s Daughter; Robyn Black, Head of Content at Fleetstreet Communications; Pete Brown, Broadcaster and author; and Neil Walker, SIBA Head of Comms & Marketing, who chaired the panel.
The SIBA Business Awards 2024 were presented on Wednesday 13th March at BeerX UK in Liverpool by acclaimed beer author, journalist, broadcaster and consultant Pete Brown. Named British Guild of Beer Writers’ “Beer Writer of the Year” in 2009, 2012, 2016 and 2021, Pete has won three Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, been shortlisted twice for the Andre Simon Awards, and in 2020 was named an “Industry Legend” at the Imbibe Hospitality Awards.
SIBA Business Awards Winners 2024
UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Retailer
Stirchley Wine & Spirits – WINNER
UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Bar or Pub – City
Candid Beer, Stafford – WINNER
UK’s Best Independent Craft Beer Bar or Pub – Rural
The Bailey Head, Oswestry – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Royal Barn, Kirkby Lonsdale – WINNER
UK’s Best Independent Craft Brewery Webshop
Thornbridge – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Full Circle – WINNER
Marketing Implementation
Siren – 10th Anniversary – WINNER
Community Engagement
Bullhouse – WINNER
Best Individual Design
Signature Brew – Riot Grrrl – WINNER
Best Concept Design
Siren – WINNER
Business Innovation
Crafty Brewing – WINNER
Commercial Achievement
Full Circle – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Wye Valley – WINNER
Empowering People
Tap Social – WINNER
Best Collaboration
Northern Monk x Aunt Bessies Circle – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Thornbridge x Budvar – WINNER
UK’s Best New Independent Craft Brewery
Indie Rabble Brew Co – WINNER
UK’s Best Independent Craft Brewery Taproom
40FT – HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bundobust Brewery – WINNER
Sustainable Business
Muntons – WINNER
Brewers’ Brewer of the Year 2024
Jamie Delap, Fyne Ales
Supplier Associate of the Year 2024
Festival Glass
Brewery Business of the Year 2024
Thornbridge
