We are beyond thrilled to share some incredible news – The Epicurean Beer People has been crowned UK’s Best Independent Beer Retailer at the SIBA Business Awards 2025! The ceremony took place in Liverpool at BeerX UK, the UK’s biggest beer and brewing trade event, and it was an unforgettable night celebrating the very best in the independent beer industry.

A Prestigious Honour

The Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) Business Awards recognise excellence in the brewing industry across a range of categories, including design, sustainability, innovation, and retail excellence. The UK’s Best Independent Beer Retailer category is open to independent beer retailers of all sizes and is judged on customer service, beer quality, and commitment to supporting independent craft breweries. Winning this award is a huge honour, especially given the calibre of retailers across the UK who are doing incredible things for independent beer.

A Win for Independent Beer

With shops in Didsbury, Stockport, and Chorlton, The Epicurean has been passionate about craft beer since our founder, Simon Yarwood, opened our flagship store in West Didsbury back in 2014. Our mission has always been to provide an unrivalled selection of the best independent craft beers, ciders, and specialty drinks from the UK and around the world.

At The Epicurean, we believe that craft beer is about more than just what’s in the glass—it’s about the culture, the creativity, and the community that surrounds it. That’s why we take pride in working with breweries that are pushing the boundaries of what beer can be. From local favourites like Cloudwater, Sureshot, and Pomona Island to world-renowned breweries such as Amundsen, Augustiner and Boon, our shelves are constantly stocked with new and exciting brews. Whether you’re looking for a crisp German-style pilsner, a bold and juicy New England IPA, or a rich and decadent imperial stout, we strive to ensure that every customer finds their perfect beer.

For those who love discovering new breweries and styles, our Epicurean Beer Club provides a curated selection of some of the finest craft beers each month, offering members a chance to explore different flavour profiles and brewing techniques from a diverse range of independent breweries. 

A Double Celebration: Winning Again in 2025!

This isn’t the first time we’ve taken home this prestigious award—we were also named UK’s Best Independent Beer Retailer back in 2019. To win it again in 2025 is an incredible achievement and a reflection of how much we’ve grown over the years. Our commitment to quality, customer service, and the independent beer scene remains as strong as ever, and we’re grateful to be recognised once more by SIBA.

Winning this award twice is a testament to the passion and dedication of our entire team. From sourcing and curating an ever-changing lineup of beers to offering expert recommendations to our customers, we believe in creating an experience that goes beyond simply selling beer. We want to share our enthusiasm for independent brewing, introducing more people to the craft beer movement and ensuring that every visit to our stores is an opportunity to discover something special.

SIBA Judges comments for our 2025 award: "The judges were impressed with the growth of The Epicurean from one outlet to three across Manchester, whilst staying true to their values of supporting local breweries and independent beer. The stores are welcoming and modern with a large proportion of refrigerated beer, ensuring quality remains high for consumers. All in all a perfect example of a superb beer retailer."

The Importance of Independent Beer Retailers

The craft beer industry is built on independence. Whether it’s a small local brewery creating innovative new recipes or a specialist retailer showcasing the best of the independent scene, businesses like ours play a vital role in keeping craft beer thriving. In an age where mass-produced beers dominate supermarket shelves, independent retailers are essential for providing a platform for smaller breweries to reach beer lovers who appreciate high-quality, small-batch brewing.

One of the most exciting aspects of being an independent beer retailer is seeing firsthand how the industry continues to evolve. Over the past decade, we’ve seen an explosion in styles, techniques, and influences from across the globe. British breweries are constantly experimenting with new ingredients, brewing methods, and collaborations, resulting in beers that challenge expectations and excite the palate. Whether it’s a heavily fruited sour, a barrel-aged stout, or a crisp and refreshing table beer, the variety in today’s craft beer scene is something to be celebrated.

Quote from our Founder Simon Yarwood: "We were truly honoured to receive this award for the second time, especially given the incredible standard of competition this year. The independent beer scene is thriving, with so many fantastic retailers championing craft beer across the UK, so to be recognised once again by SIBA is an incredible achievement. This award is a testament to the dedication of our team and the continued support from our customers and the amazing breweries we work with.”

Looking Ahead

So, what’s next for The Epicurean? While winning the UK’s Best Independent Beer Retailer award is a huge milestone, we’re not slowing down. We’ll continue to expand our beer selection, support independent breweries, and provide the best experience possible for our customers.

And of course, we’ll keep doing what we love most—helping our customers discover great beer. Whether you’re popping into one of our shops for a recommendation, browsing our online selection, or receiving a handpicked selection through our Beer Club, we’re here to ensure you always have access to the best beers from independent breweries.

Thank You to Our Customers & Brewers

We couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our loyal customers and the fantastic independent breweries we work with. Your passion for great beer is what drives us, and we’re honoured to continue serving the craft beer community.

Thank you for raising a glass with us – here’s to many more years of independent beer excellence! 🍻