Independent, award-winning Rutland microbrewery established in 2015 by Dean and Jill Baker. Based in Ketton, Baker's Dozen produces modern hop-forward beers alongside traditional British styles on a five-barrel brewing system. Its nationally acclaimed beers include Undertow pale ale, Bull Run best bitter and 12 Second Panda IPA. The brewery also hosts regular pop-up taproom weekends with fresh cask and keg beers, visiting food vendors and takeaway cans.
Brewery story
Baker's Dozen Brewing Co was established in 2015 by Dean and Jill Baker in Ketton, Rutland, England's smallest historic county. Drawing on years of experience in the pub and hospitality industry, the pair developed a passion for producing the kind of hop-forward cask beers they most enjoyed drinking. Starting with a five-barrel brewing system, they set out to create bold, adventurous beers for their local community. Their commitment to consistency, quality and distinctive flavours helped the brewery grow organically, building a loyal following across the East Midlands and East of England.
Although initially focused on modern cask ales, Baker's Dozen gradually expanded into keg and canned beers, experimenting with new styles while maintaining its appreciation for traditional British brewing. The brewery's range includes hop-forward pale ales, IPAs, bitters and more experimental releases. Its beers have earned considerable recognition at regional and national competitions. Undertow became a particularly successful pale ale, winning the SIBA National Keg Pale Ale Championship in both 2024 and 2025. In 2025, Bull Run also secured national gold in the cask British Best Bitter category, while 12 Second Panda earned bronze in the keg IPA competition.
The brewery's success has been built on the dedication of its two founders, who remain closely involved in every aspect of the business. Having spent their earlier careers working in hospitality, Dean and Jill understand the importance of serving beer directly to customers and listening to their feedback. This connection helped refine their early recipes and continues to influence their approach. The brewery celebrated its tenth anniversary in June 2025, marking a decade of development from a small cask-focused operation into a nationally recognised producer of award-winning cask, keg and canned beers.
Today, Baker's Dozen continues to brew from its Ketton premises while welcoming visitors through regular pop-up taproom weekends. Usually held around the third weekend of each month, these events transform the working brewery into a relaxed drinking space, with seating on the mezzanine floor and outside when the weather allows. Visitors can enjoy freshly poured cask and keg beers, purchase cans to take home and sample food from independent traders. Located beside Ketton Nature Reserve, the brewery provides a welcoming destination for local beer enthusiasts and visitors exploring Rutland. Despite its growing reputation, Baker's Dozen remains proudly small, independent and focused on making the beers its founders love to drink.
Taproom
Monthly pop-up brewery taproom in Ketton, typically opening on the third weekend of the month. Features indoor mezzanine seating and outdoor seating when weather permits, with two cask beers and eight keg beers usually available. Visitors can enjoy freshly brewed Baker's Dozen beers, purchase takeaway cans and bottles, and sample food from visiting independent vendors. Dogs are welcome, and the brewery is located beside Ketton Nature Reserve.
Unit 5, Ketton Business Estate, Pit Lane, Ketton, Rutland, PE9 3SZ
Monthly pop-up brewery taproom in Ketton, typically opening on the third weekend of the month. Features indoor mezzanine seating and outdoor seating when weather permits, with two cask beers and eight keg beers usually available. Visitors can enjoy freshly brewed Baker's Dozen beers, purchase takeaway cans and bottles, and sample food from visiting independent vendors. Dogs are welcome, and the brewery is located beside Ketton Nature Reserve.
