Time at Southey: since June 2020

What brought you to Southey?

A global pandemic. I lost my job in March 2020. I used to work in the theatre industry which was obviously not the place to be when socially distancing. As a local, and fan of Southey I saw an ad looking for a delivery driver for their lockdown beer delivery service. I desperately wanted something to do, so I signed up. I fell in love with the place, the people and the challenges we had to overcome. When the theatre world started to go back to work I had to make the decision to jump to a whole new industry and I’ve never looked back.

What's your favourite beer that we brew and why?

I’m very partial to a cask ale so Best bitter has to have a mention. But Sunny Afternoon summer pale ale was my first beer I brewed at Southey in 2020. It felt like a bit of a moment for me putting it together and being a part of every step, and getting to hold the finished can. Now it makes an appearance each summer and I love the nostalgia of it.

What do you like about working here/ what we do here?

I’m a problem solver and I love a challenge. There’s always something going on here andas a small team we have a lot of plates spinning at once. Every day is different. At the end of the day, I absolutely love seeing our customers having a good time. That’s the business
we’re in. The beer has to be great, but you also have to have a great experience too and I think Southey balance that well.

Is working at a brewery different from what you thought it would be?

I didn’t really know what to expect. I think we’re quite lucky here in that it doesn’t feel like a male dominated space which I thought working at a brewery would be. I know it’s not like that everywhere. I also thought it would be a bit of a closed shop but everyone I’ve dealt with is pretty friendly and welcoming. There’s SO much more to running a brewery than brewing beer. I love that I get to learn and grow alongside Southey. This place has changed so much in the last few years and I’m so excited to see what’s next.

What do you like to do with your spare time?

I still love the theatre, it was my life for about 15 years, so I like to go when I can. I’ve got a little boy now and also take him to the theatre. I’m into a lot of sports and follow tennis, football (esp the women’s game) and athletics, I try to go to watch live events when I can.
Obviously I’ve got to say beer...there’s got to be some ‘research’ going on in my spare time!