Gary and Bunny turn a final kiss-off into award-winning future!
By: JimOldfield
August 23rd, 2012
A brewing couple, who set out making ale in their garage, have been named the best beer producers in their county!
Gary and Bunny Lucas launched Kissingate Brewery – which gets its name from a local beauty spot – from their home in a Maidenbower, Sussex, in 2009, after Gary was made redundant.
Just three years later, the couple have taken the Bev Robbins Trophy, for the best beer at the Sussex Beer and Cider Festival.
Their winning ale, 6.5 per cent Mary’s Ruby Mild – named after a local eccentric known as Mad Mary – impressed the judges for its “silky-smoothness”.
Former printer Gary, 54, was a keen home-brewer for some years – and after being made redundant for the FIFTH time, he decided to be his own boss.
He and Bunny rapidly outgrew their garage base and have now converted a nearby barn into a state-of-the-art, 6BBL brewery, which they moved into last February.
Gary told Hand-Pumped: “Since moving in we have received 18 separate visiting parties. Bunny is well known for her home baking and makes the most delicious cupcakes!”.
He added: “We work very much as a husband and wife team. However, we have a close friend and right-hand-man, Barry May, who is very much part of the business too.
“And we enjoy a huge amount of support from friends, family and North Sussex CAMRA.
“Without doubt we are most surprised at the popularity of our beers in such a short time.”
Gary and Bunny now produce 14 different ales, and the couple got a further boost when Mary’s Ruby Mild and their 6 Crows Stout both made the finals CAMRA’s Great British Beer Festival awards.
And the brewery was named the best new business at this year’s Gatwick Diamond Business Awards.
Hand-Pumped link:
www.kissingate.co.uk
