Reckon, your favourite beer is indie? You might be surprised to find out it’s not. Because, in just one year, 100 breweries shut their doors in the UK – a hundred!! And sadly, most of them were independent.

You heard it right, folks. In early 2024, there were 1,715 breweries in the UK. Compared to 1,815 back in 2023 (reported by the Society for Independent Brewers and Associates). That’s a huge drop! And a devastating one at that. The question is... Why?!

Well, the effects of COVID-19 were still taking their toll: inflation, rising debt, tighter margins, and the list goes on. But a key issue is that many beer drinkers are (unknowingly) choosing a pint of global mass-produced beer over a local brew [inserts sad face].
With that in mind, independent brewers across the UK have joined forces to raise awareness of beer brewed by genuine independents through the new Indie Beer campaign (which starts today!).

In this blog, we'll take you through what “independent beer” actually means. How it's different to ‘craft’ beer. And how to spot indie beer in your local supermarket!

So, what’s the difference between independent and craft beer?

This is a question that trips up even the most passionate beer fans.

The words “independent” and “craft” are often used interchangeably. But they don’t mean the same thing. In fact, the definition of craft beer has blurred over recent years.

A lot of people assume that beer marketed as “craft” must be brewed independently. WRONG! This might have been true once. But not anymore. Why? Because plenty of once-craft breweries have been bought out by the big global drinks giants.

The real difference between independent and craft beer? Ownership.

Large-scale companies now mass-produce many so-called “craft” beers. So, just because it looks crafty or local – it doesn’t mean it actually is.

But don’t worry – it fools the best of us!

Loads of craft beer lovers still think brands like Camden, Brixton, or Beavertown are independent (spoiler alert... they’re not). Just because the label says “craft” doesn’t mean it’s independent. Because craft doesn’t mean what it used to!

Take these names, for example. They’re not craft. They’re not independent. They’re macro breweries.

• Camden Brewery – now owned by AB InBev.
• Brixton Brewery - acquired by Heineken.
• Beavertown - is now under Heineken’s wing.

As such, a lot of independent brewers are now using the term indie instead of craft, to differentiate itself from large scale brewing production.

That’s where the Indie Beer mark comes in...

So, what actually counts as independent beer?

Short answer? It’s a craft beer brewed by an independent brewery.

According to The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), a brewery is considered independent if it:

• It is an independent beer brand that is permanently based in the UK.
• Produces no more than 1% of the entire British Beer Market per year.
• Is not controlled by a global beer company.

As well as that, SIBA state that independent beer is brewed by real people who truly care about flavour and beer quality. And are mostly small and local. Just like us.

Read more about Indie Beer in SIBA’s own words here.

How do you know if a brewery is independent?

Look out for the Indie Beer mark.

This logo is phase one of the Indie Beer campaign created by SIBA. It’s a symbol designed that recognises quality craft beer, brewed by truly independent breweries here in the UK.

Keep an eye out for the Indie Beer logo on cans, bottles, and pump clips.

You may even spot it on posters and beer mats at pubs, bottle shops and brewery taprooms (it’s dotted all around our place)!

If you can see the mark. The brewery is independent. Easy. Use the Indie Beer Checker tool.

Phase two of the Indie Beer Campaign by SIBA – the Beer Checker tool. The folks at SIBA also launched a new Indie Beer Checker Tool. Where you can find out if any brewery is indie in seconds.

Just type the name of any brewery into the search bar to find out.

Give it a try here.

And what is Indie Beer Week?

Indie Beer Week is a campaign created by SIBA to celebrate and raise awareness of the independent beer movement. And all the wonderful people behind it.

The nationwide campaign runs from 11th to 20th April 2025 and celebrates all things indie, with loads of independent breweries getting involved.

Expect local tap takeovers, special brews and meet the brewer nights. It’s a full-on ode to independent beer!

How are we getting involved in Indie Beer Week?

We're super excited to be involved in the first-ever Indie Beer Week. In our eyes, the beer comes first. So, we’ve teamed up with another local brewery for a very special beer collaboration.

We can’t say much more than that just yet. But trust us. It’s going to be big! Keep an eye on our socials to stay in the loop!
Indie Beer Week runs from 11th – 20th April 2025.

Cheers!

#TheBeerComesFirst