Brewer forging new estate
A small East Sussex brewer has started building up its own pub estate alongside investment in production.The Forge Brewery opened its second outlet last week, the Cove in Fairlight, East Sussex, after taking over the Two Sawyers next to the brewery in Pett at Easter.Production is also set to be doubled after the installation of larger fermenters, mash tuns and coppers.Owner Clive Soper said: As a brewer, we see the future in owning and operating pubs as well as selling to the freetrade.We want to go back to basics, operating traditional pubs with our own beers, quality food and meat from our own farm.We will be looking to acquire more traditional pubs or coaching inns as we go along, but we are going to be selective.OpportunityIt aims to focus on the Sussex and Kent area, where it has up to 160 freetrade customers, but Soper added: We would look at any opportunity that arises.Investment in the brewery comes after rising sales of its leading brands, Forge Bitter (ABV 3.2 per cent) and Pett Progress (4.6 per cent).Its ale range also includes Forge Cuddle, Forge Smithy and Forge Original, while it has launched a mixed-gas version of its traditional stout, Black Pett.The brewery was created in a restored forge in 1995 but was bought by Soper in November 1998 after the original owner, Pett Brewing Company, was wound up.The Two Sawyers pub, described by Soper as effectively the brewery tap, was sold through Sussex agent AW Gore & Co.
