Tradesmen turn craft into brewing success

A North East brewing duo is putting people and tradition at the heart of their business.

Hartlepool friends Anthony Sewell and Scott Borthwick left careers as an electrician and gas engineer to revive The Crafty Monkey Brewery Co. 

Their approach emphasises patience, quality and doing things the right way.

The brewery’s flagship product, Baylin Lager, is naturally fermented for three weeks, producing a crisp, full-flavoured lager that harks back to traditional brewing methods. 

Another beer, Blonde, James Blonde, was named after brewery manager James Baylin, making him one of the few brewers in the UK with two beers bearing his name.

Anthony said: “When James perfected the recipe, we knew we had something special.

“He joked that in 50 years everyone would still be drinking it – so we named it after him.

“That’s the difference here: we celebrate the people behind the beer, not just the brand.”

Anthony and Scott’s philosophy is simple: no shortcuts, no added chemicals, just water, malt, hops and yeast. 

They prioritise sustainable growth, taking inspiration from other innovators without relying on heavy outside investment.

Their approach is already paying off. 

Local venues, including The Oasis Social Club, have replaced mass-market lagers with Baylin, with older drinkers noting its nostalgic flavour.

Anthony added: “Every business we’ve run has taught us the same lesson – you’ve got to do things properly.

“Cut corners, and it comes back to bite you.

“We’d rather take our time, keep control, and know that every pint we serve is something we’re proud of.

“Whether you’re building houses or brewing beer, the principles are the same.

“Work hard, do it properly, and put people at the heart of it.

“If we stick to that, we know the business will grow – and the beer will keep tasting right.”

Production is set to increase with new equipment arriving from Singapore, while the small but growing team aims to make Baylin Lager and its sister beers available across the North East and beyond. 

The Crafty Monkey Brewery Co is a reminder that a careful, people-focused approach can make a big splash in a competitive market.

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