Could you start by telling us how the last few weeks have been for you?
The last few weeks have been very tough for us, as when the pubs shut, we lost 97% of our business. Fortunately, the local community has really rallied round – and we are now supplying lots of people with fresh beer from our website and brewery shop.
What positive steps have you taken to get through the lockdown?
Firstly, we have increased our home-delivery service. That has really helped us during this time! We offer a guaranteed next-day delivery of in-stock beers for all Surrey customers – or your money back. In addition, we also took the opportunity to increase our range of 440ml cans.
Are there any innovations of which you are particularly proud?
Getting our new IPA ‘Five Claw’ into a craft can. Also, on a general note, we pride ourselves on making beer that is as natural and environmentally friendly as possible, using only water, grain and hops. We are also proud to be a carbon negative brewery, further helping the environment.
How have your customers been supporting you during this time?
Our customers have been fantastic – they really have kept us going! Dorking Brewery is one of the larger Surrey breweries, and we are fortunate to have some wonderful customers across the county.
We have also launched a premium version of the Dorking Brewery beer club as a thank you to our customers. For just £30 a month / £299 for the year, supporters get loads of benefits including a free minikeg each month, 10% off all purchases online and collection, brewery tour vouchers, drinks vouchers, branded glasses and invitations to exclusive members nights. A great gift or treat for a beer enthusiast.
Are there any special measures you’ll be bringing in once you re-open/get back to more normality?
Normally, we host a whole range of events – from our Thursday Supper Club and our Saturday Street Curry to our popular Brewery Tour. The latter offers the chance to learn about the brewing process and also to taste our beers. We will, of course, be following the guidelines for all of these, while hoping to offer the best experience that we can.
Why is it so important that people ‘Stay Loyal To Local’ going forward?
I think it is so important to support the local community. Our spent grain goes to the local dairy herd, just 15m away, and that gets turned into local fresh milk. In many cases, you can get far better quality and support an independent business if you shop local.
What’s the best way that our community can do that for now?
Lots of small local businesses have web shops – please use and support them!
Tags: beer
Stay Loyal to Local campaign
