Held at Cloudwater Brewery Taproom in Manchester on Tuesday 20 October, the awards recognised the achievements of women from across the beer industry.
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Lily Waite-Marsden, who runs East London brewery Queer Brewing, was named Women in Beer Industry Icon in recognition of her work as a brewer, communicator and activist, as well as her efforts to make the beer industry more inclusive and diverse.
Celebrate success
The independent judging panel also awarded Brewing, Food & Beverage Industry Suppliers (BFBI) chief executive Ruth Evans MBE a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her career in the beer industry.
Women in Beer founder Amélie Tassin told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): “It is very important to let women be proud of their successes and celebrate them, especially in male-dominated industries like beer.
“I believe initiatives like these awards will help women feel more legitimate in the industry and encourage them to pursue successful careers.
Special moment
“The ceremony was a special moment, filled with joy and a vibrant energy. It was amazing to see so many women supporting each other and celebrating their successes.”
Founded in 2018, Women in Beer is a UK community for women who are passionate about beer, from enthusiasts to those working in the industry.
It organises events, a beer festival, a mentorship programme and annual awards recognising women’s contributions across brewing, hospitality and other areas of the sector.
This year’s independent judging panel comprised Melissa Cole, beer judge, and journalist; Paul Jones, owner and managing director of Cloudwater Brew Co; Sophie de Ronde, head brewer at Burnt Mill Brewery; Vinny Rosario, co-founder and head of production at Moonwake Beer Co; Helen Anne Smith, founder and co-editor of Burum Collective; and Lucy Do, founder of The Dodo Micropub.
Women in Beer 2026 winners:
Brewer of the Year - Sponsored by SIBA
- Red Kellie - First & Last Brewery
Rising Star Award - Sponsored by Simpsons Malt
- Aureja Jupp - Pixie Brewing
Communicator of the Year - Sponsored by Crisp Malt
Highly Commended
- Elizabeth Townsend
Winner
- Laura Hadland
Entrepreneur of the Year - Sponsored by Thomas Fawcett & Sons
- Gill Sherwin - Best of British Beer
Beer Expert of the Year - Sponsored by Yakima Chief Hops
- Alix Blease - Lallemand Brewing
Mentor of the Year - Sponsored by Murphy & Son
- Natalya Watson
Industry Champion of the Year - Sponsored by eKeg
- Catherine Webber
Beer Creative of the Year - Sponsored by WHC Lab
Highly Commended
- Kate Stevens - Rooster’s Brewing Co
Winner
- Nanna Koekoek - Pretty Decent Beer Co
Hospitality Leader of the Year - Sponsored by British Beer & Pubs Association
- Maryann O’Connor - The Green Goddess
Women’s Collective of the Year - Sponsored by CAMRA
Highly Commended
- No Half Measures Nottingham
Winner
- Women on Tap CIC
Women in Beer 2026 - Industry Icon (judge’s choice) - sponsored by Charles Faram
- Lily Waite-Marsden
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ruth Evans MBE
