Coronavirus is having a devastating effect on the craft beer industry.
Pubs have had to close, there were big question marks over the opening rights of bottle shops, and breweries have had to make extremely difficult decisions over maintaining a skeleton crew or wrapping things up for the foreseeable future.
Luckily, there are a few who are still able to keep our beer fridges stocked in this time of crisis. Nationally, you have plenty of options to order beer in. If you are based in Birmingham or West Midlands though, you may want to consider ordering from one of these local, independent establishments, who need our support now more than ever.
Dig Brew Co – Digbeth
In mid-March, Dig Brew Co had to cease their keg and cask operations to focus on accelerating their bottling, canning, and eShop capabilities. A month later, I’m pleased to report that the web shop is live and the bottles are looking incredible. They have put together a bunch of bundles with decent % savings, as well as the option to build your own boxes. Whilst initially only delivering locally, National delivery is now available, with free shipping for orders above £45.
Visit the Dig Brew web shop.
New Invention Brewery – Walsall
Not to let the closure of their taproom dampen their spirits, New Invention are now distributing beers within a 10 mile radius. Their delivery days are Wednesday to Saturday and they are offering free delivery on all orders over £25. Better yet, for every 12 beers you order they’re throwing 1 in for free.
Take a look at New Invention’s web shop.
Burning Soul – Jewellery Quarter
“It’s only taken a full global PANDEMIC but we finally have beer in can!” summarises Chris from Burning Soul. The world may be going through terrible times, but it is wonderful to witness the birth of Burning Soul tall boys. They are currently selling their sublime Ice Cream Pale, Coconut Porter, and more, for local collection and Birmingham delivery. The first batch sold out within 3 hours, so if you want to grab some of these, you’re best off following them on Twitter to find out when new cans drop.
Check out the Burning Soul web shop.
Green Duck Beer Co – Stourbridge
Based in Stourbridge, Green Duck have adopted a door-to-door delivery system. They are offering fresh beer straight from the barrel, delivered for free on the same day to anyone within a 5 mile radius.
For more details see Green Duck’s web store.
Twisted Barrel – Coventry
We’ve spent many an afternoon at the Twisted Barrel taproom; it’s sad to imagine the place completely void of customers. Luckily, you can get your Twisted Barrel fix if you are based in Birmingham, Warwickshire, Leicestershire, or Coventry. The web store will be open between Saturday and Wednesday, with deliveries being made on specific days depending on the region. They are even running a virtual ‘happy hour’ between 12pm and 1pm that gives you 10% off orders.
Follow Twisted Barrel on Facebook for more details.
GlassHouse Beer Co – Cotteridge
GlassHouse have been filling up crowlers with their delectable brews, which are available for collection and delivery in the Birmingham area. The menu is constantly changing, so best take a look on Twitter. You can place orders through sales@glasshousebeer.co.uk – just make sure to mention ‘DELIVERY’ or ‘COLLECTION’ in the subject line.
Follow GlassHouse on Twitter for the latest.
Brum Brewing Company – Stirchley
Not just one for the locals – Brum Brewing Company are still delivering nationally! If you are a local resident (specifically living at a B postcode), you can benefit from free delivery on all orders over £20. Keep in mind that due to the high level of demand orders may take 7 days.
Take a look at Brum Brewing Company’s web store.
Paper Duck – Harborne
The Paper Duck are living up to the mantra ‘sink or swim’. Their bar may be closed, but it’s not stopping them delivering beer (and cheese!) to your door. Pick your beers, give them a call, pay over the phone, and arrange a delivery slot. Delivery days are currently Wednesday and Friday for those within a reasonable distance of Harborne.
For further details, visit thepaperduck.co.uk.
Simply Local – Burntwood
Local hero Vikesh Harji has transformed Simply Local bottle shop into a basic supplies store, giving the community much needed access to necessities like toilet roll, bread, and eggs (and often for free!). They have also launched a delivery service for anyone within 15 miles for orders over £20.
For the latest, join the Simply Local Facebook group.
Cotteridge Wines – Cotteridge
I’m happy to report that the legendary Cotteridge Wines remains open amid the crisis. Don’t be fooled into thinking they’re not taking things seriously – they are running a strict ‘one in one out’ policy.
Stay up to date with Cotteridge Wines on Twitter.
Stirchley Wines – Stirchley
Their shop may be temporarily closed for walk-ins, but that’s not stopping Stirchley Wines from supplying the locals in South Birmingham with craft beer. They have launched a click-and-collect service, as well as delivery for B30 residents (free on orders over £50).
Take a look at Stirchley Wines web shop.
The Arcade – Cannock
This Cannock-based craft pub have launched a local beer delivery service, playfully named Deliverbroo. The Arcade swiftly responded to the Coronavirus pandemic by setting up an online store for local residents to order through. They accept Paypal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, and are delivering for free (minimum order £20).
Take a look at The Arcade’s web store.
Fownes Brewing Company – Dudley
The Coronavirus pandemic has certainly sent the Fownes dwarfen Brewmasters on an unexpected journey. After having their main method of disruption devastated, they’ve since launched an online shop for their beers. Residents within 30 miles of the brewery can rejoice as mixed cases of their fantasy inspired ales are available for local delivery.
Order through the Fownes web shop.
1000 Trades – Jewellery Quarter
Now operating under the fantastic pseudonym ‘1000 Takeouts’, the folks here are offering a range of beers, natural wines, and food, for both collection and delivery (via Uber Eats). They are currently selling cans with a 33% discount, so fill your boots.
For the latest, follow 1000 Trades on Twitter.
Purity Brewing – Alcester
Finally, Purity are still brewing and distributing nationally. They have also turned their Pure Craft Bar & Kitchen in the centre of Birmingham into a click and collect hub.
Visit Purity’s online shop.
Attic Brew Co. – Stirchley
Attic Brew Co. are yet another West Midlands brewery that have fast-tracked their small packing operations since the start of lockdown. As well as selling cases of each beer canned, Attic are also offering a wide range of mixed cases. A little top for you though, demand is high, so be sure to keep an eye on their web shop releases via social media.
Visit the Attic Brew Co. online shop.
Rock & Roll Brewhouse – Jewellery Quarter
Rock & Roll Brewhouse are now opening on Fridays and Saturdays for takeaway beers. Be sure to follow @RocknRollBrew on Twitter to stay up to date with opening hours!
That’s all from me. If you are based in the Midlands please help spread the word! If you are aware of anyone that I have missed, or if any of the details I’ve posted are wrong, please get in touch in the comments below, on Twitter, or through email (dave@wednesdaybeers.co.uk).
