Craft beer specialist supports London breweries through pandemic with new venture

An online craft beer retailer has launched a new initiative to support breweries in and around London during the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Craft beer specialist Flavourly has created a new delivery pack of craft beers all brewed in and around London, in a bid to generate revenue for independent local breweries impacted by hospitality industry restrictions.

The firm has launched The Southern Lockdown Local pack, featuring 24 craft beers from local independent breweries such as By The Horns, Fourpure, Burning Sky and Gun Brewing.

Chris Mills, co-founder from By The Horns explained: “Like all small businesses we were incredibly concerned by the developing pandemic back in March - both financially and as a responsible employer.

“Our market was made up of 65% direct sales to pubs and restaurants within London. Upon the closure notice of the hospitality industry these orders ceased overnight. After consulting with our brewing team and receiving confirmation from the government we could continue brewing under lockdown laws we made the difficult decision to continue operations.”

Chris continued: “Having an established online sales partner like our friends at Flavourly was invaluable during this time. We originally agreed to work with Flavourly because of their positive attitude towards small brewers. This has never been more prevalent than during lockdown where they consulted with us on what we could produce.

“They then matched our spare capacity with confirmed orders taking on the lion’s share of our production. This meant we had a direct sales route to the consumer, we could keep paying bills and we managed to retain 100% employment in the brewery.”