AN INDEPENDENT Shropshire brewery is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Hobsons Brewery, based in Cleobury Mortimer, was founded by licensed property surveyor Nick Davis and his dad Jim, who was running a pub in Somerset, in 1993, growing into an award-winning brewery with a team of over 20 people.

Having quickly become a staple amongst local pubs, in recent years Hobsons’ growing commercial success has seen it expand its online presence across the UK and overseas.

In 2007, ‘Champion Mild’ was crowned CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain at the 30th Great British Beer Festival, the most prestigious award sought after by every brewer and one that cemented Hobsons’ position on the national stage.

The game changing accolade was also a significant milestone for Nick, who had taken over sole operation of the business after Jim’s retirement in 2000.

Hobsons sits at the forefront of sustainable technologies, with its green thinking earning it the SIBA Green Business Award in 2010 and again in 2021. The installation of an onsite wind turbine in 2009 kickstarted its commitment to finding more ways to be green, from bottle labels made from waste wood pulp from the paper-making process to wooden pump clips.

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Just last month, the brewery also won the Commercial Achievement Award at the 2023 SIBA Business Awards, which shone a light on its continued e-commerce efforts and its impressive Amazon sales amidst the pandemic.

Nick said: “I can't help but feel an immense sense of pride and gratitude. We've faced our fair share of challenges, especially the pandemic, which dealt our industry an unprecedented hand and forced us to adapt our selling model. The current cost of living crisis and rise in energy prices are also having a huge impact on our industry, however, we are fortunate enough to have the support of sustainable technology such as a ground source heat pump, a wind turbine and solar panels.”

As its reputation in the industry grows stronger, the brewery hasn’t lost sight of its proud Shropshire roots, and its location within the historic county continues to shape the brand’s identity.

"We wouldn't be where we are today without the amazing Hobsons team, which is now 23 people strong," Nick said.

"A particular highlight for me is Charlie Edwards, one of our team, becoming the first national brewing apprentice, after starting with Hobsons part-time not long after leaving school. He is now assistant brewing manager and a shining example of how powerful apprenticeships can be. We have a young team at Hobsons and are always looking to encourage the next generation of talent.”

The brewery has some exciting news and events in the offing to mark the milestone occasion over the coming months, including a big 30th birthday party for members of its valued community to join in celebration, details of which will be announced soon.