The 8 Sail Brewery, in Lincolnshire, has been acquired by a taproom regular who liked the beer so much, he bought the company!
Tony Pygott and Edward Quigley
Edward Quigley completed on the purchase of the iconic microbrewery, located within the Heckington Windmill heritage site (just east of Sleaford), from founder Tony Pygott, last week.
The deal sees the retention of a much-loved community asset for more than 15 years, and the continued supply of award-winning beers to pubs and venues across the county, and beyond.
The brewery stands next to Heckington railway station and below an imposing eight-sailed windmill (with accompanying shop and museum). Next to the brewery is a quaint volunteer-run tea room, opening onto a beautifully maintained garden and courtyard.
“The brewery has gone from strength to strength over the years, and has earned a reputation for good quality beers,” said founder and outgoing owner, Tony Pygott. “There is still a strong demand for well-crafted British real ales, which the team at 8 Sail Brewery does extremely well.
“It’s satisfying to know that the future has been secured so that the brewery can continue to supply the discerning drinkers of Lincolnshire and beyond for many years yet.”
The taproom had become a regular haunt for Edward since his move to the village, and, as it happened, also served as time well spent in preparing him to take the reins.
“I am very proud to complete the purchase of the brewery from Tony,” he said. “Like many of the other regulars, my heart sank when I learnt that Tony was looking to sell the business. The thought of losing the taproom, or that someone who doesn’t know the business might come in and undo what Tony and the team created, filled me and many others with dread.
“I reached out to Tony in February 2025 to chat about the business, and fast-forward just over a year, it’s now up to me to ensure the brewery continues to thrive.”
He added: “I’m under no illusion; it’s a tough time for breweries and pubs across the UK. However, 8 Sail has a dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate team, and we’ve shown that we can weather many storms since we launched in 2010.
“With our range of award-winning beers, I’m confident we can build on what Tony has done, and I can’t wait to be a part of the next chapter for 8 Sail Brewery.”
8 Sail Brewery employs several staff in its taproom and production premises. Head brewer Paddy Bauwens has been brewing for 13 years. He holds a diploma in brewing from the Chartered Institute of Brewing and Distilling, and has been working at the brewery for the last few years.
“I have been very fortunate in finding 8 Sail Brewery after moving here with my family in September 2022,” he said. “I soon realised that the brewery was a fantastic place to develop my career, and somewhere that I could build on Tony’s foundation.
“Tony founded the brewery with a passion for two things — good beer and community. These values are clearly what has taken 8 Sail to where it is now. We will certainly strive to continue the legacy that Tony has handed over — an expansive selection of great beers and a taproom venue that the village can be proud of.”
Kate Sydney lives locally and is one of the supporters of the brewery, as well as a member of the Foss Dyke Brass Band, who have performed several times at the venue: “It has been fantastic to draw in audiences to listen to what Foss Dyke and brass banding has to offer, and it’s been 8 Sail Brewery that has given us these opportunities.”
The Heckington Windmill Trust is a registered charity from whom 8 Sail Brewery rent their premises. “Heckington Windmill Trust has enjoyed an excellent relationship with Tony over the years as we have developed the Windmill project, and it has been impressive to see the range of beers, achieving growth and success in conditions which have at times been difficult for small breweries,” said Mike Hardy, a trustee, and regular patron of the taproom.
“Having the brewery on our site has been an important partnership for us, and we are committed to seeing it continue in the same positive way it has. We send our best wishes to Tony as he retires, and we now look forward to working with Ed as the new owner, and wish him well in his new venture!”
Tony won’t be too far away as he settles into retirement. “I look forward to watching its progress from the other side of the bar, with a pint in hand!” he said.
The taproom is open every day from noon, and visitors are encouraged to visit the brewery’s social media channels to find out about upcoming events and visiting street food vendors. Tours of the brewery will be available soon.
