A number of venues in Bristol have been listed among the finalists in what has been dubbed the ‘Oscars of the beer industry’. The 2025 SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers and Associates) Business Awards revealed its list of finalists today (March 7), highlighting the breweries, taprooms, retailers, pubs and beer businesses in the running to be named the best in the UK.
The Awards, which take place in Liverpool in less than two weeks, sees hundreds of entries across 16 categories. The judging process this year has been described as ‘the hardest the panel has ever been faced with’ and this year’s Awards also include a brand new ‘Diversity Champion of the Year’ Award, which one brewery in Bristol is up for.
There are a total of three Bristol finalists in four categories among those across the rest of the country battling it out for the top prizes this year. Here’s who they are and the awards they’re up for…
Community Engagement – Bristol Beer Factory
According to the official SIBA Business Awards: “This award highlights breweries who have shown an outstanding commitment to engaging with their local community, supporting local initiatives, or raising money for charitable causes through events and fundraisers. Entrants should demonstrate how the brewery is integrated into and supports the local community; either through a single successful initiative or a range of activities which engage local people.”
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Diversity Champion of the Year – Good Chemistry Brewing
According to the official SIBA Business Awards: “This award celebrates independent breweries who have made equity, diversity and inclusivity a central part of their business – be that with a focus on gender, sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic background, disability, neurodiversity, or age. The winner will demonstrate an authentic commitment to creating a diverse workplace alongside tangible positive outcomes for your business and team.
“We are especially looking for schemes, policies, campaigns or other initiatives that can inspire the wider industry to follow suit.”
Best Collaboration – Charles Faram X Bristol Beer Factory
According to the official SIBA Business Awards: “For the best collaboration between an independent craft brewery and another business, brewery, brand, project or event. This award seeks to highlight collaborations which amplify the reach of the businesses involved, appeal to new audiences, or create a commercial success to the mutual benefit of all involved.
“The entry could be on a beer collaboration, product line, new business venture, festival or event partnership, and judges will be looking for innovative, exciting collaborations that capture the imagination of the target audience.”
UK’s Best Independent Beer Bar or Pub (city) – Kings Head, Bristol
Address: 60 Victoria Street, Redcliffe, Bristol, BS1 6DE
According to the official SIBA Business Awards: “For pubs or bars which have shown an extraordinary commitment to serving the best quality and range of independent craft beers (including cask, keg, bottle or can). This award is specifically for pubs or bars located in urban, city, town centre, or suburban locations across the UK.”