HOP TO IT! HOW TEENAGER RYAN’S BREWING HIMSELF A CAREER JUST LIKE HIS DAD’S!
He’ll be one of the country’s youngest
TALENTED teenager Ryan Bainbridge is set to become one of the youngest brewers in the country.
The 18-year-old is combining a national diploma in brewing with work at the Izaak Walton Brewhouse in Norton Bridge, near Eccleshall, which is owned by his dad Steve.
Ryan is in line to take over the business when Steve retires – and dreams of making it as big as Budweiser or Heineken.
He said: “I’ve been interested in the business since my dad took it over in 2019. I was 17 at the time.
“It was really interesting to get involved with the process, and I helped my dad when I wasn’t at school. I think that is what inspired me. I didn’t really have any plans for what I would do after school before then. I now know I want to be a brewer.
“Whenever my mates ask me what I do for a living, people are really interested and think it is really cool that I know how to brew beer. I now know the entire basics of the brewing process.
“It is a business that you are in for life. Any brewer will tell you it is a big commitment.
“The course I am on is very focused on learning while working, and if I complete the course I will be one of the youngest brewers in the country.”
Ryan, from Stafford, is due to finish his diploma at the University of Nottingham in two years’ time. In the meantime, the former Sir Graham Balfour School pupil has already been offered a chance to get more experience in Essex.
He added: “It would be great to run the Izaak Walton. I’ve had a chat with my dad about it. He has been very supportive and has given me tips.
“You have to do the job you like. I was very lucky to have been scouted by Wibbler’s Brewery, near Southend. There is still a lot of learning to do but I am very excited.”
Steve, who has worked in brewing business for more than 30 years, says he is proud of his son following in his footsteps and helping him at at the Railway Inn, the pub at the brewery.
The 57-year-old said: “It is absolutely fantastic. Ryan always helps me out at the Railway and has done so right from the start. Now the pub is up and running, his progression has been rapid. I think he feels more confident now. I worked with the head brewer Andy Brough and we have been guiding him and helping him sharpen his skills. I’m just so proud of him.”