Meet the Brewery: Weekend Project Brewing Co.
September 16, 2024
Welcome to our new blog series, “Meet the Brewery,” where we shine a spotlight on the talented people behind some of your favourite craft beers! As a close partner with many incredible breweries, we wanted to have a look into the people and stories that shape the beers they love. In each instalment, we’ll introduce you to the brewery, uncovering the inspiration, creativity, and passion that goes into every pint. This is the second instalment of our mini-series featuring a new brewery that's making waves in the craft beer world: Weekend Project Brewing Co.
Name of Brewery?
Weekend Project Brewing Co.
Name and position within the brewery of person completing the questionnaire?
William France - Brand Manager.
Can you share the story behind the Brewery name?
Ok, where to start? 2022 saw the first beers launch from WP, it was the passion project of James Roberts the owner of Mobberley Brewhouse, who wanted to start a new brand to deliver his ambition of brewing class leading IPA's, Stouts & Pale Ales. The initial launch & beers where really well received but with an ever expanding business & huge move on the horizon it was left by the sidelines whilst the transition happened.
Fast forward to May 2024, Will France joined the team who in the past worked for breweries like Stone, Cloudwater & Firestone Walker - he was brought on board to reinvigorate the project & continue with the push, with the first beers launching in mid July.
We've been completely overwhelmed with the reaction.
What was the first beer you brewed commercially and how did it turn out?
So not technically, but of the new batches Meadows was the first. We're in a very privileged position really having a brew-team dialed into the kit & a load of experience behind us, but when we tasted it we thought we where onto something - pillowy soft, saturated & unbelievably drinkable it's set the benchmark of how we want the beers to drink.
Which of your beers are you most proud of and why?
It's early days but Island Hopper is so good! It's sub 5% & delicious.
What would you say is your signature beer that you brew, brewed by your brewery?
Again, the first beer Meadows.
How do you go about naming your beers?
Loosely based on weekend activities, its pretty fun.
How do you decide on what beers to brew when?
Generally a sit down, a good chat & a memory of a great beer we had or a moment.
Is there a particular beer style that you feel represents your brewery’s identity?
That's a tough one, so many as an influence, but mostly ATM we're doing what people want & that's low bitterness, hazy delicious beer - we do have a few exciting styles incoming though.
How do you see the “Craft” beer scene evolving?
Good one, I think we've been through most of the consolidation phase, I think now are digging more into local now & more direct to consumer - we will at some point have a rural taproom thats a destination like the best in the US. We're loving the move to more heritage styles too, especially people re-starting things like using a Burton Union system.
What’s your favourite Beer (from another brewery) and why?
Sierra Nevada, USA Pale Ale - best beer ever.
If you could have a beer with anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?
David Attenborough - obvs - imagine how good it would be to meet him at an old pub, drink some bitter with him & have a pie or something.
See our collection of Weekend Project's beers here.
