Mayo Wynne Baxter Present Second Award to Top Sussex Brewery

Sussex Food and Drink Awards sponsor, Mayo Wynne Baxter, has paid tribute to Hepworth’s Brewery which has won the Drink Producer of the Year category for the second time. The Horsham based brewery picked up the award in 2007/8 as well as 2009/10. 

The winning products and producers are chosen entirely by consumers who nominate and vote for their favourites. A judging panel made up of food and drink experts oversees the awards and validates the category winners.

Simon Baillie-Hamilton, Partner with Mayo Wynne Baxter and a specialist land and agricultural lawyer, said: “These awards are a fantastic way of encouraging people to eat and drink local produce. The variety and quality of Sussex food and drink is outstanding which makes Hepworth’s achievement all the more remarkable. They have a wonderful work ethic and true passion for what they do and deserve our biggest congratulations.”

Keeping up the long tradition of brewing in Horsham, Hepworth & Co was opened by Andy Hepworth, former Head Brewer of King & Barnes, together with John Tewson, Paul Webb and Tim Goacher. Now employing 20 staff, Hepworth & Co. produces beers and lagers of distinction in cask, keg and bottle, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. 

Andy Hepworth, the brewery’s Managing Director, said: “The supply of our ingredients is crucial to our success. Whilst we do produce beers for customers far and wide, we are dedicated to our local community and environment. We very much believe in buying locally and selling locally. 

“This is why the Sussex Drink Producer of the Year award means so much to us all. To be recognised in our local area is everything – this is our market, so it’s fantastic publicity and makes us feel very proud. We’d like to thank Mayo Wynne Baxter for backing the awards - and this category in particular – it’s a wonderful sense of achievement.”