A Truro microbrewery is celebrating a year in business, thanks to a £15,000 Start Up Loan issued via the programme’s partner, SWIG Finance.
Cornish beer entrepreneur Mike Mason used the cash to expand the capacity of his microbrewery, Mason Brewing Co, in Threemilestone. He will celebrate his first anniversary in style, with a free music festival on May 10.
The line-up will run from 3pm until late and will include five of Mike’s favourite acts – Kitty Crocker, The Wave Machine, Joe Francis, Séamus McKenna and Old Baby Mackerel – as well as food from Sourdoughlicious Pizza and Sloth & Sparrow Plant-Based Kitchen.
Naturally, he has created a special birthday beer – an 8% imperial stout brewed with customers in January and aged in a port barrel – as well as showcasing brews from friends in the industry.
Mike admits to feeling “pretty odd” to look back on a full 12 months of trading, adding: “The celebration is more about giving something back to the people who kept me in business. It’s not just about beer quality – it’s about community, which in my eyes is what makes a business succeed. I want them to come and enjoy it.”
Start Up Loans is part of the British Business Bank and offers personal loans of up to £25,000 per director and offers free mentoring to help anyone start or grow a new or early-stage business. Mike’s loan enabled him to buy his own kegs and casks, rather than renting them at a higher cost, and to hire his first staff member, experienced bartender Megan O’Connor.
An avid homebrewer, Mike worked in recruitment for a major international brewer before making the decision in 2018 to retrain and pursue his dream of making a living by getting hands-on with the beer. “I realised that recruitment wasn’t really me, and I was more naturally gifted at the practical side of life,” he explains. “I now feel I’m doing something I’m more aligned to and passionate about. It entailed a heavy pay cut, but fortunately, my wife was very supportive.”
He went on to work for microbreweries and the Brewhouse & Kitchen brewpub chain, making more than 25 different ales, winning regional brewing awards and leading a beer-tasting event at the Houses of Parliament. When wife Lisa faced a job relocation from the Midlands to Cornwall, Mike found work at The Driftwood Spars brewpub in St Agnes, and would go on to spend four years as its head brewer.
A year ago, Mike made the leap and launched Mason Brewing Co with a second-hand brew-kit. The industrial-style taproom on Threemilestone Industrial estate was chosen for its proximity to a growing population – the developing Langarth Garden Village and Truro City FC stadium are a stone’s throw away.
There are currently seven beers on tap, always with a variety from hazy pale and sour to stout and lager, and all vegan with at least one gluten-free option available. “It means if a group of people come in with different tastes, there is usually something for everyone.” Live music and events are on offer most weekends, with regular visits by pop-up food trucks.
Megan’s presence has enabled Mike to step into the taproom, chat with customers and experience for himself the welcoming atmosphere he has created. “That was really important to me, and I feel like we’ve really nailed it,” he said. “SWIG Finance helped my business take a big step in being successful, and I’m really grateful for their support. My business adviser was incredibly supportive and positive throughout the application process.”
SWIG Finance’s Managing Director John Peters said: “Mike is very passionate about what he does. Having previously worked for other breweries, it’s great to see him taking the plunge, starting his own business and already creating a strong brand identity. The taproom is an evolution of tradition mixed with a cool industrial feel. It has an amazing atmosphere and will certainly be a cracking place to enjoy a nice pint and some live music.”
Mason Brewing Co is open Thursdays from 4pm to 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 2pm to 10pm, and Sundays 3pm to 8pm. Visit masonbrewing.co for more details.
