In these difficult times, it’s encouraging to see a brewery not only surviving but thriving. In March, Anspach & Hobday celebrated their twelfth birthday. It’s been a long journey since 2013 when Paul Anspach set up the venture with Jack Hobday. For the first year they shared premises with Bullfinch Brewery, each operating a tiny 100 litre (0.6 barrel) kit.
Since then, they have influenced the keg stout market with the launch of London Black, the nitro keg that now accounts for over 50% of their sales. The pair reflected that there are now numerous ‘something’ black stouts or porters around the country. Clearly imitation is the best form of flattery!
In 2024, their The IPA (6% ABV) was judged best in its category at CAMRA’s Champion Beer of Britain competition before going on to win overall Silver. They were just pipped at the post by Essex’s Crouch Vale Amarillo for the Gold. This just added to their continuing role of merit. At their birthday celebrations, two more awards were handed over. These were two Golds won in CAMRA’s Champion Cask Beer of London for their IPA (again) and The Porter (4.5% ABV).
If you want to see what the fuss is about, pop along to their brewery tap, the Arch House, in Druid Street to try a beer or two on handpump;
Christine Cryne