Bristol Beer Factory

Bristol Beer Factory is an independent brewery established in 2004 by George Ferguson, Chris Godden, and Simon Bartlett. It operates out of a 200-year-old building in Southville, Bristol, which has a brewing history dating back to 1836. The company began by brewing a few standard cask ales and has since expanded to produce over 40 different beers annually, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and an acclaimed alcohol-free IPA called Clear Head. Many of its beers are gluten-free and vegan.

The business model focuses heavily on its local community, with over 80% of its beer delivered directly to venues in and around Bristol. In addition to its brewery, the company operates four pubs in the city: the BBF Tap Room & Studio, The Barley Mow, Arnolfini Harbourside Café-Bar, and Junction. Revenue is generated through beer sales via its pubs, online shop, direct delivery to other venues, and partnerships with wholesalers for national distribution. In 2017, Michelin-starred chef Josh Eggleton and Guy and Becky Newell, formerly of Butcombe Brewery, became major investors, joining the board to support the company's growth.

A core component of the brewery's identity is its community and social initiatives. The "Brewed to Give" program commits 2% of all brewery sales to a fund that supports local charities and community projects, having delivered over £450,000 in support to more than 250 charities since 2023. Furthermore, 5% of all sales from its Clear Head alcohol-free IPA are donated to the mental fitness charity Talk Club. In July 2025, the company announced a £1.2 million investment in a new 12,000 sq ft sustainable brewing facility to meet rising demand and advance its goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040. The new site features carbon capture and heat recovery technology.

Keywords: craft brewery, cask ales, community engagement, independent beer, pub operator, direct-to-venue distribution, social enterprise, alcohol-free beer, sustainable brewing, local business