Bristol Beer Factory
Drink more beer. That’s the message here, and it’s a compelling one.
Not that anyone needs an excuse to enjoy a cool, crisp pint, but Bristol Beer Factory’s commitment to community initiatives has added an entirely new dimension to the nation’s drink of choice. As we head towards beer garden weather and drinking over May bank-holiday weekends, BBF are providing a fantastic option which not only tastes fresh but will also make a difference around the city, meaning you can feel good while drinking it. Cheers to that!
Beer consumption in the UK has been declining steadily over the last 15 years, with the alcohol industry facing unprecedented challenges as people are choosing healthier and often cheaper options. Gen Z are the driving force behind this movement, having been dubbed the ‘sober curious’ generation. A third of Gen Z are choosing to go sober and most drink less than the generations that came before.
So, what are beer companies in Bristol doing about this? The approach that BBF has taken is worth highlighting, as it is providing an option for beer lovers (both alcoholic and low alcohol beer) whilst also supporting local charities.
First things first, the product itself is fantastic. Bristol is known for its cider more than its beer, and since moving here three years ago, I have personally favoured a glass of Somerset’s finest over a beer. However, I recently tasted BBF’s Destination Mars, and (if you’ll pardon the pun) it was out of this world. Just one of a range of beers and IPAs offered, the BBF really does offer a genuinely top-quality alternative to cider.
More importantly though, is the work that BBF do to support the community. Brewed2Give – their 2% self-imposed tax on all their revenue – goes straight towards community and charity initiatives. Since this launched in May 2023, BBF have donated £170k in stock and cash to over 250 groups and charities in Bristol. That support has translated (after donated beer for raffles, auctions and event bars have been sold) into an extra £420k of unrestricted funds towards activities that make a difference in our city.
Some of their notable stories include a donation which allowed MAZI – a charity empowering care leavers, asylum seekers and youth recovering from homelessness – to double the number of young people they are helping across Bristol!
Another heart-warming BBF story were the donations Brewed to Give allocated to Freddie’s Fight and The Teenage Cancer Trust. The donations allowed for a hugely successful fundraising event for over 200 people which raised over £6,000!
It’s not just about the products and money BBF are donating, Harri from Thighs of Steel, a fundraiser for young migrant families commented “it was the way they gave it to us, you could tell their heart was in the right place and that they were motivated to support local charities”.
For those of us who want a low-alcohol option, BBF cater for that as well with their Clear Head beer. The best thing about Clear Head isn’t the fact it genuinely tastes like beer, but the fact that 5% of every sale goes to Talk Club. This has generated over £80,000 and this number is growing with every sip. Talk Club is a talking group founded on the simple premise of asking people who struggle to communicate their feelings “how are you out of ten?” This started as a small movement but has grown into a nationwide organisation which, with Clear Head’s help, saves lives.
As summer months approach, and beer gardens start to fill up around Bristol, we are encouraging people to turn towards BBF when they want to enjoy a refreshing pint. We share their passion for the city and want to help local Bristol organisations, and are proud to stock BBF here at The Square Club. So, grab a pint (or a couple) and raise a glass to celebrate BBF!
