Good Things Brewing Co raises £10k to rebuild brewery after lightning strike burns down brewery

27-Jul-2021 - Last updated on 27-Jul-2021 at 09:28 GMT

Crowdfunding goal: at the time of publication, the brewery had raised almost a fifth of its target

Good Things Brewing, the Tunbridge Wells Brewery, has launched a GoFundMe page, after its brewery was struck by lightening and burned to the ground.

Only a day after setting up the page almost £10,000 has been raised against a goal of £50,000.

On Sunday 25 July, the 17th Century barn and home to the brewery was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. No one was hurt in the blaze which saw the Kent Fire Brigade in attendance.

Long journey ahead

Owner Chris Drummond said that the family and brewery team were “absolutely gutted and lost for words”. He added that they were in a state of shock but thankful that no-one was hurt.

Writing on the GoFundMe page Drummond said: “We have a long journey ahead of us but are so thankful to everyone that has reached out to help so far.

“These funds will help our family to get started with clearing the site down, making it safe & give us a head start in reconstructing what we have lost.

Industry response

Response from the industry on social media was swift with other brewers and members of the industry rallying in support.

So upsetting to see this tragedy strike the wonderful @goodthingsbrco. They've setup a GoFundMe to rebuild their brewery, please share & donate if you can! https://t.co/PVBH7uWNJi
— The Five Points (@FivePointsBrew) July 26, 2021

Terrible news.
Quite apart from how devastating this is for the brewery, this 17th century barn held so much personal history for Chris & his family.
All at @goodthingsbrco have worked so hard over the past few years to create a sustainable, innovative brewery.
Love to all. https://t.co/SMT5gfKhhn
— Emma Inch (@fermentradio) July 25, 2021

Devastating events @goodthingsbrco. A fine brewery that has pioneered sustainability was struck by lightning yesterday and burned to the ground, along with the family home. Please read and help if you can: https://t.co/8RTz2CIabv
— Roger Protz (@RogerProtzBeer) July 26, 2021

We were delighted to feature @goodthingsbrco in a profile by @fermentradio this January. This is a tragedy for what is one of the most exciting young breweries in the U.K. today. https://t.co/xy3Fwpvyog
— Pellicle (@pelliclemag) July 26, 2021

To help raise money for the brewery, find the Go Fund Me page here.