MP Kate raises a glass to town microbrewery’s hopes of expansion
UTTOXETER MP Kate Griffiths paid a visit to a town brewer which is working hard to bounce back after a difficult year following the pandemic.
Ms Griffiths met Uttoxeter Brewing Company directors Andy Ockleton and Tom Abbott, who showed her around the microbrewery in Carter Street.
She was able to see for herself the brewing process and the equipment used to make the local ale on site.
The MP heard from Andy and Tom about the challenges they had faced over the past year, and the difficulties of the pubs being shut, when they would normally supply many local pubs and bars with their beer.
However, Andy and Tom are looking ahead and hoping to expand in the near future as their business begins trading again with lockdown restrictions easing further.
The brewery’s courtyard is now open for locals to go to enjoy a pint in the sunshine, or even pick up takeaway pints if customers bring their own container. Ms Griffiths said: “It was great to visit Andy and Tom. They, like so many breweries and pubs, have faced unprecedented challenges with the pandemic. The brewing sector is critical for our local economy, and support for microbreweries in particular is something I have raised repeatedly with ministerial colleagues at the Treasury and across Government, and will continue to do so.
“It was great to hear about their optimism for the future and the plans they have to grow their company. I would encourage residents to pop into the brewery courtyard, which is a lovely place to enjoy a great-tasting local beer safely with friends and support this small business.
“I look forward to seeing them expand and will do what I can to support a great local enterprise.”
Andy said: “We enjoyed Kate’s visit and appreciate the time she took to see our business and listen to our concerns regarding coronavirus support for microbreweries.
“Our industry body SIBA [Society of Independent Brewers] has been encouraging its members to raise awareness of the difficulties that smaller independent breweries have faced during the numerous pandemic restrictions.”