Bob Bullock and Neil Bain, Woodforde's Brewery

Woodforde’s created its first commercial brew in 1981 – and was one of just a handful of brewers in the county at the time.

Master brewer Neil Bain said: “We put our heart and soul into what we produce. Attention to detail is vital and we do 50 or 60 checks on our beer before it’s complete.”

The brewery, based in Woodbastwick, Norfolk, plans to invest in a canning, bottling and kegging facility in 2019 in order to supply a market which is constantly evolving. 

But, as manager Bob Bullock points out, although production processes change, nothing about its ingredients ever will.

“Woodforde’s have always insisted on using locally grown and malted Maris Otter barley which has helped support the local farmers. Our water comes from beneath our feet and if top quality hops were grown in Norfolk we would use those as well!” he said.

“Many brewers claim that their beers are brewed using the finest ingredients,” adds Neil. “But we actually do - and prove it to our many visitors.”

Woodforde’s principle hop is Savinjski Golding, sourced from Slovenia. But aside from the magic of this delicious ingredient, Bob claims the love which goes into every pint and bottle is tangible too.
“Happy employees are a symptom of business success,” he said.

So why do the pair think that Woodforde’s deserves to win the title of Producer of the Year?

“All we can hope is that the passion and attention to detail that we bestow on our products will be recognised by the people of Norfolk.”