Our story

The Crafty Monkey Brewing Co.

Pat and Gary worked together on Teesside for over 30 years. For 10 of those years they would while away long shifts talking about what they would do if they had the opportunity. Keen home brewers, but frustrated at the quality of the home brew kits, they started to do some proper all-grain brews which resulted in far superior results. Motivated by the increased quality and, following encouragement from family, friends and ale enthusiasts, they started to experiment with recipes. In 2017, their plant closure provided an opportunity to create something they had talked about for years. The perfect opportunity to branch out, to follow a dream. The seeds of Crafty Monkey Brewing were planted.

On small-scale home brew equipment the boys managed to create their first cask brew. This was sold in a local pub as an experiment with the sale proceeds to be given to charity. The ale was tapped at 6.30pm on Thursday and was gone within 3 days. They knew they were on to something.

Eighteen months of hard work and loving restoration of the farm outbuildings resulted in the completion of the Crafty Monkey Brewery. With the focus on quality ingredients and an uncompromising approach, the results speak for themselves.

Having attended a Dave Porter brewing course in Manchester to fine-tune their skills and learn about the business side of brewing—including legislation and tax matters—they were “advised” that they would find it an overwhelming struggle to set up a brewery from scratch, having to convert farm outbuildings from derelict to a functioning brewery capable of producing quality ales.

Well guess what?

The company was eventually taken over by Borthwick and Sewell, who recognised the potential and passion behind the Crafty Monkey brand. Under their leadership, the company is now expanding—growing into a more ambitious and wide-reaching enterprise while staying true to its roots. With plans to scale up production, widen distribution, and introduce new craft lines, Crafty Monkey is evolving into a dynamic, modern brewing company that honours its origin story while pushing toward an exciting future.