Fixed Wheel Having taken a leap of faith 3 years ago Scott Povey and Sharon Bryant are continuing to grow. Fixed Wheel Brewery has recently confirmed that they have taken the lease on the adjoining unit at the Long Lane Trading Estate in Blackheath, doubling the brewery size to 2,000 sq ft. This will enable them to increase output and provide more room for cold storage and the onsite bar. Fixed Wheel have also taken on a third member of staff to support the demand. A fifth fermentation vessel they have purchased means production can be increased to 40 (Brewer’s barrels at 36 gallons or 288 pints) barrels a week.

barrels a week. Sadlers Halewood Wines & Spirits, makers of Crabbie's and Lambrini, has taken a majority stake in Sadler's Brewing Company in Lye, the Black Country brewery behind Peaky Blinder IPA. Sadler's, which is now operated by 5th generation brewer, Chris Sadler, will now have access to Halewood's global infrastructure as well as gaining new routes to market. The deal will enable the brewery to further capitalise on the growing craft beer industry and they will also receive marketing support from Halewood, but will continue to operate separately. Chris Sadler, the managing director of Sadler's, has said that "Halewood's investment gives us the opportunity not only to continue providing hand-crafted beers with a strong provenance locally, but also to expand our reach throughout the rest of the UK and internationally". Stewart Hainsworth of Halewood has said that "Sadler's has a fantastic family heritage and Chris has continued the passion for creating characterful beers with a point of difference. The current Sadler's generation is talented and visionary while upholding the original family ethos and with Halewood's focus on craft, we're looking forward to supporting their business. The Peaky Blinder brand holds huge potential for the off-trade, which is very focused on listing more craft beers. It is a natural fit with our portfolio alongside our investment in the Cumbria-based Hawkshead brewery and the Tsingtao distribution business". Halewood is the UK's largest independent alcoholic drinks manufacturer and distributor, and is still family owned. Its product range includes wines, spirits, beers, ciders and bottled water, including Lambrini, Whitley Gin and Vodka, Marylebone Gin, Bajan Rum 66, The Pogues Irish Whiskey and Red Square Vodka, and of course Crabbies Ginger Wine.

The brewery is now an eight barrel plant brewing six regular beers – Saxon Gold, Crazy Sheep, Troll, River Steam, King’s Escape and Monarch’s Way – leaving capacity for two others. Recently this has been Hop & Glory, and Victorian Mild @ 6% was introduced in February. Some of the beers have appeared under the Bridgnorth trade name but this has now been discontinued. Craddock’s beers are available at their four pubs. There are plans to lease the King Charles in Worcester to the current manager.

Have restarted brewing in March so get along to Graham’s Place to check out their new brews!