Lakes Brew Co

Michelle Gay, Matt Clarke, Steve Sneath, and Paul Sheldon established the brewery on Kendal's Mintsfeet Industrial Estate, drawing on collective experience from one of the Lake District's established craft operations. The brewery operates a taproom on site at the production facility, maintaining a direct connection to the local community.

The alcohol-free range entered the market in early 2024 with a hazy pale ale brewed using a specific yeast strain selected to keep alcohol levels low from the outset, preserving body and flavour without first brewing to full strength and removing the alcohol afterwards. That approach tends to produce a cleaner, more integrated result than a dealcoholised equivalent, where the base is brewed at normal strength and the alcohol stripped out later. Distribution is through specialist alcohol-free retailers, positioning Lakes Brew Co as a considered purchase for engaged AF beer drinkers rather than a mainstream shelf product.

As a young Cumbrian brewery still building its range, Lakes Brew Co's AF output remains deliberately compact, reflecting the care the founding team brought from their years in the Lake District craft scene. Sober-curious drinkers who want AF beer made with genuine brewing intent will find the approach rewarding.