Fyne Ales Farm Brewery, in the Scottish highlands, has been named brewery business of the year, at the SIBA Business Awards, announced at BeerX in Liverpool.
The Fyne Ales team celebrate at BeerX
The brewery team were also named the UK’s best independent brewery taproom and being highly commended in the collaboration category for their partnership with the Co-Op.
“These days you’ve got to brew fantastic beer, but you’ve also got to tell great stories,” said Fyne Ales managing director, Jamie Delap.
“So to be recognised that my team are getting it so right I really appreciate. You’ve got to find really good people, let them do their thing, and you’ve got trust your team — which we absolutely do at Fyne Ales.”
Beer writer Pete Brown, who presented the awards, said: “With a massive five nominations, and multiple wins, this year’s brewery business of the year, Fyne Ales, were a clear standout to the judging panel who were hugely impressed with this unique brewing business across the board.
“With some of the best beers currently being produced in the UK, in a broad range of styles, a destination taproom, and a business which continues to go from strength to strength, this year’s winner was a unanimous choice with the judging panel.”
Another big winner on the night was Howe Beer Project, who were named the UK’s best new independent brewery for their impressive impact since launching last year.
“Opening in June 2025, Howe Beer Project have quickly established a community-driven and financially sustainable microbrewery and gathering space, producing top-quality beers in an atmosphere that connects people with each other and with the brewing experience,” said Pete Brown. “At a time when too many shared spaces are closing, Howe have created something to be treasured by their local community.”
The judging panel for the awards was hosted by awards partner Napthens Solicitors, and comprised Rachel Auty (Women on Tap CIC), Chris Welham (Licensed Trade Charity), Phil Mellows (journalist and author), Tony Sophoclides (UKHospitality), Laura Mackie (SIBA non-executive director), Neil Walker (head of communications at SIBA), and Andy Slee (chief executive of SIBA).
Full list of winners
UK’s best independent beer retailer
Pivovar
UK’s best beer bar or pub, city
The Green Goddess, Blackheath
Highly commended: Old Grey Mare Inn
UK’s best beer bar or pub – non-city
Brewers 1841, Ossett
UK’s best independent brewery webshop
Hackney Church Brew Co
Marketing implementation
Indie Rabble
Highly commended: Charnwood
Community engagement
Bristol Beer Factory
Individual design
Moonwake, Dolcita IPA
Concept design
Jennings
Business innovation
Three Brothers Brewing
Commercial achievement
Tap Social (Winner)
Employer of the year
Sheep in Wolf’s Clothing
Diversity champion of the year
Queer Brewing
Best collaboration
Full Circle and Greggs
Highly commended: Fyne Ales and Co-Op
UK’s best independent brewery taproom
Fyne Ales
Sustainable business
Fell Brewery
Highly commended: Muntons
UK’s best new independent brewery
Howe Beer Project
Independent beer champion of the year
Jourdan Gabbini, Waitrose
Lifetime achievement award
Adrian Wood (Decd)
Supplier associate of the year
BREWW
Brewers’ brewer of the year
Fiona MacEachern
Brewery business of the year 2026
Fyne Ales
