BREWING UP A STORM

Raising a glass

Skinner’s Brewery has been the heart and soul of the Cornish beer scene since 1997, responsible for iconic beers like Betty Stogs, Porthleven and Lushington’s. However, when Covid hit in 2020 the brewery was in a transitional phase making it uniquely vulnerable – even in the hard-hit brewing sector. There were genuine fears for the future of one of Cornwall’s best-loved brands.

Despite the huge challenges, husband and wife team Steve and Elaine Skinner have fought tenaciously - not only for survival, but also to bring the brewery back under their exclusive joint ownership - something they finally achieved in December 2020.

“The last year has been an uphill struggle,” says Steve. “However, thanks to fantastic public support and the efforts of our team, it’s looking like we’ll just about make it through until the pubs finally reopen. It really has been touch and go.”

While Steve’s creativity and experienced palette is behind the design of Skinner’s characterful beers, Elaine is the project manager and problem solver of the partnership. “If there’s an obstacle in our way, Elaine will somehow find a way of overcoming it,” says Steve. “In fact, adversity just seems to fuel her! She’s the one who makes things happen - makes our aspirations become a reality.”

Elaine has been the passionate driving force for post-pandemic recovery. “For us specifically, 2020 was a perfect storm,” she explains. “Covid came along just as we were trying to bring the business fully back under our control. We had also invested in updating the internal space of the brewery bar here in Truro, with a planned second stage of creating an incredible events and hospitality space outside – but instead everything just ground to a halt.” However, after a hugely successful Crowdfunding campaign and the prospect of all pubs reopening come May, there is now light at the end of the long Covid tunnel.

“We have so many exciting plans for the brewery,” explains Steve. “The generous support we gained from the crowdfunding campaign has spurred us on - financially and psychologically. Our wonderful community of Skinner’s fans gave us a warm embrace, and it was just what we needed. The response has been overwhelming and has strengthened our belief that Elaine and I can lead the brewery on to great things, now that we can get back to doing what we do best!”

The public eagerly got behind the campaign to raise £100k towards Skinner’s operating costs to help keep the brewery operational until May. For national sales & marketing manager, Stuart Hughes, this remarkable public support has been the saving grace of the pandemic. “We’ve really got to know our community a lot better during the last few months. It’s been really heartening to hear how much people love the brand. Lots of people have said that Cornwall wouldn’t be the same without Skinner’s.”

As well as enjoying the beers, people rallied around Skinner’s because of the brewery’s community fundraising activities. From PTA raffles to helping transform Truro Cathedral into one huge dancefloor to raise money for the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Charity, Skinner’s has given huge amounts of time and product to good causes in the local

It has been a difficult year for Skinner’s Brewery. But there is now light at the end of the long Covid tunnel.

community over the years.

Alongside the Queen of Cornish Ales, Betty Stogs, Steve estimates the brewery has raised over £500k for grassroots charities.

“Community is what we live for here at Skinner’s, and we can’t wait to get back into the thick of things again,” says Steve.

Stuart reminisces: “You’d always find Skinner’s at the heart of the Cornish crowd, at least when crowds were a thing! I think for a lot of people attending events like the Sea Shanty Festival and the Oyster Festival, we bring the fun.”

Now we can get back to doing what we do best!

Now that Steve and Elaine are the sole owners and free from the shackles of investors, they are committed to being agile, aspirational, and focused on the brewery’s identity as genuine, fun-loving and passionate – brewers of quality beers which people love. “In the past, we’ve been advised to steer away from our Cornish links and playfulness, but I am determined to refocus on what made us popular – celebrating Cornwall, coming up with new beers with quirky, edgy names, and celebrating the fundraising work that Betty Stogs is famous for,” says Elaine. So, what’s next for this battlescarred band of brewers? “Once our wholesale trade picks up again we’ll be releasing new beers – hopefully in cans as well as bottle, keg and cask,” says Steve.

“We’ll always have a core range but there will be more small-batch runs and seasonal specials, with our Beer Club able to preorder ahead of release.” Elaine adds “We’re looking forward to continuing with the visitors centre development and outdoor areas, with eateries and events so that everyone can enjoy the Skinner’s experience in the heart of Truro.”