How time flies…

Twelve years ago this week, on Friday 27th March 2014, I opened the doors to The Epicurean for the very first time.

I still remember that day clearly with friends and neighbours rallying around for the final push - painting walls, stocking shelves, and making sure we were fed along the way. It was a true community effort, and one I’ll never forget.

Over the past 12 years, the business has grown from that single shop into three locations, alongside a subscription Beer Club and an online store. It’s been an incredible journey and I have made lifelong friends along the way.

None of this would have been possible without the support of my wife, family, friends, suppliers, my fantastic team, and of course our loyal customers, without whom we simply wouldn’t exist. Thank you.

I’m often asked whether the industry has changed over that time and it certainly has. A few of the most notable shifts include:

• The decline in dominance of American craft beer, as UK based breweries now produce beer that matches and often surpasses it
• Changing (and sometimes cyclical) tastes: Lager → IPA → Double IPA → and back to Lager
• A growing preference for lower strength beers (3–5%) over higher ABV options
• The continued rise of low and no-alcohol beers
• Craft beer increasingly being seen as a premium luxury product
• A slowdown in the number of new breweries opening
• Fewer “hype” breweries driving short-term trends

So, what are our current best sellers?

1. UK-produced craft beer
2. German beer
3. Belgian beer
4. Alcohol-free options

It’s been fascinating to see how the industry has evolved and I’m sure there’s plenty more change to come.

Here’s to the next 12 years and whatever they may bring