Tell us about yourself…
I’m Danny Hoskins, sales and marketing director Bedlam Brewery in Plumpton Green, East Sussex. I’ve worked for 25 years in drinks industry including senior roles for major drinks companies such as Heineken and C&C alongside small bespoke brands and breweries such as Truman’s Brewery in London.
What led you into a career in the brewing industry?
My love of the brands, people and what is the friendliest industry I’ve ever experienced. There’s also non-stop change and innovation too.
As one of the longest established ‘new wave’ brewers in Sussex, tell us a bit about the Bedlam journey…
We’re committed to being a socially and environmentally responsible business. Our mission is to harness the power of our brewery as a force for good to positively impact employees, customers, community and our planet.
We believe in better beer for a better world and deliver this mission through our core values of Better Quality, Better Planet, Better Community and Better Service. We believe in less talk and more action.
What is your most popular beer?
Our Pilsner Lager, which is now gluten free, vegan-friendly and has recently been awarded a double Gold at European Beer Awards.
Is the Sussex brewing industry a close-knit community?
Absolutely and collaboration is one of the fun sides of the business. Our Smokie Porter was done in collaboration with Toast Brewing using a sustainable recipe using waste breadcrumbs. We’ve lots more in the pipeline with other brewers we admire.
We work closely with other local brewers in different aspects of our work. We always enjoy meeting the team from Brighton Bier, Hand Brewery, Hairy Dog, Longman and Loud Shirts.
A common thread across all of them – although we all compete for business – is we all are passionate about the beer industry and Brighton and will always help each other out if and when we can. We are friends – it’s a great industry.
Do you think real ale is now attractive to a wider demographic of drinkers?
Yes, definitely as taste profiles have developed. But also as an industry we still need more innovation. I also think bar workers need to ensure that the beer is loved both in the cellar and when served to ensure the perfect pint.
What recent accolades are you particularly proud of?
We won Double Gold and Gold at the European Beer Awards for our Pilsner Lager and our Wilde East Coast Pale Ale. Our Phoenix Pale Ale keg won UK Gold by the Society of Independent Brewers in 2022.
We’ve been awarded ‘City Angel’ status by Brighton Pride for the third year in a row which is a great honour as we’re the only brewery in Brighton to have achieved this.
What are your favourite local pubs?
The Greys Freehouse is a fantastic community pub in the heart of Hanover with an eclectic range of quality local craft beers, wines and spirits. They also do a mean Sunday roast lunch.
I’m also a fan of the Bison Beach Bar Brighton. It’s a fun space in the open air and on the beach, not only serving our Pilsner but also offering a great kitchen by Humble. They’re sadly missed this summer but returning with a bang at the end of the year with a newly built bar.
Brighton Dome is an iconic venue where amazing national and local UK acts perform in a magnificent setting serving delicious beer. Nearby is the Colonnade on New Road – its a cosy and quirky Brighton pub with a great landlord in Lindon.
In Kemp Town, the Haus on the Hill is also a go-to. Operated by the guys at Brighton Bier, they ensure a fantastic range of cask and keg beer, a great atmosphere and a very tasty Caribbean kitchen. I’ve now worked through the menu twice over.
Over in Worthing, The Corner House is a fantastic with their sun-trap garden and wide range of German beers on tap. The bar team are lovely too.
Finally, The Lion and Lobster… if you live in Brighton you already know why.
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