Tūn Brewing is partnering with The Burnt Chef Project to highlight the struggles of mental health issues, especially for hospitality workers.
A Burnt Chef Project event in progress
Tūn Brewing’s founder Richard Alston is a psychiatrist by training, and has spent years observing the complexities of this country’s drinking culture.
While there is much to celebrate, he believes this is a pivotal moment to redefine our relationship with alcohol. Drinking with purpose — to connect, to celebrate, and to savour — can foster healthier habits and deeper enjoyment, moving beyond the culture of drinking to excess.
Brewing has been a part of Richard’s life since his teenage years. Over time, this hobby took a back seat, but more recently, he revisited it as a creative outlet during his own mental health challenges. Brewing offered him a sense of fulfilment and focus, and it reignited his long-held dream of opening a microbrewery.
“From both personal experience and my work as a psychiatrist, I’ve seen how important it is to have something grounding during difficult periods, and how stigma can stop people seeking help early,” said Richard. “For me, brewing became that outlet.
Richard Alston
“More broadly, we know that simple social connection — talking and feeling part of a community — is one of the most important protective factors for mental health; bars and pubs have traditionally been places where that happens naturally.
“That’s what makes hospitality such a powerful industry, but it also comes with real pressures. At Tūn, we believe beer should bring people together in a positive way, and that includes being honest about these challenges.
He added: “By partnering with The Burnt Chef Project, we hope to encourage more open conversations and help create a healthier, more supportive culture for the people who make this industry what it is.”
Four out of five hospitality professionals report having experienced at least one mental health issue during their career. In worst-case scenarios, this can also lead to loss of life, with the hospitality sector having one of the highest rates of suicide.
The Burnt Chef Project is a globally recognised not-for-profit social enterprise, fully committed to making the hospitality profession healthier and more sustainable by prioritising people’s wellbeing. This comes through free support structures and awareness campaigns, backed by training and education.
Matt Loughrey, partnerships and community manager at The Burnt Chef Project, said: “Our partnership with Tūn Brewing Company began through their support of our annual golf day and Burnt Brunch series, and it’s fantastic to see that relationship continue to grow.
“We’re proud to be part of their Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 event, where our team will share more about the work we do, how we support the hospitality industry, and how others can get involved.
“It’s a real privilege to speak to such a passionate and engaged community across Manchester and the North West as we grow the relationship between both organisations.”
The Tūn event will take place at Strange Brew, Chorlton, on 11th May. The Burnt Chef Project team will be there to talk about the organisation, as well as Richard Alston, who will share his experience with his own mental health challenges, and as a psychiatrist.
Doors open at 6pm, with talks starting an hour later. Entry is free and there will be a free half (or non-alcoholic equivalent) for all hospitality workers (on presentation of a pay slip).
