Northern Monk

The brewery began in Russell Bisset's mother's cellar. Early batches were produced using gypsy brewing, with the first runs taking place at Hambleton Ales, backed by a £5,000 gift from his grandmother. In October 2014, the brewery moved to The Old Flax Store, a Grade II-listed former linen mill in Holbeck, Leeds, which has been its home since. The beers draw on the history of monastic brewing practised in the north of England, combining those traditional values with a modern, progressive approach.

Northern Monk now operates two brewery sites and two taproom spaces, known as Refectory, in Leeds and Manchester. The business has grown considerably: it has tripled its brewing capacity to 12,000hl, employs 99 people, and reports a turnover of £16.3m. In 2018, the brewery raised more than £1.5m through crowdfunding, and has since received investment from Active Partners and signed a distribution deal with Damm. Its beers are exported around the UK and to countries overseas.

The alcohol-free range spans lagers and pale ales. The first AF pale ale launched in January 2021, and the range has since grown to include a hazy pale ale designed for mindful drinkers. Northern Monk also runs a Patrons Project, a collaboration series with artists, athletes, and creatives, supports smaller brewers through access to its facilities, and is on track to donate £150,000 to community causes.