Barney's Beer

Barney's Beer was founded in 2010 in Edinburgh, establishing an independent microbrewery in the heart of Scotland's capital. Based at Summerhall, a former veterinary college transformed into a thriving centre for arts and culture, the brewery occupies a site with a much older brewing heritage. The original Summerhall Brewery dates back to the eighteenth century, and Barney's draws inspiration from this history while bringing contemporary brewing back to the location. Surrounded by artists, performers and creative businesses, the brewery has developed an identity closely connected to Edinburgh's independent cultural scene.

From its beginnings, Barney's Beer has focused on producing distinctive, carefully crafted beers using quality ingredients and a combination of traditional and modern brewing techniques. Its approach is deliberately open-minded, embracing a broad range of styles rather than concentrating on a single category. Hop-forward pale ales and IPAs sit alongside refreshing sours, red ales and classic bitters, creating a varied selection for different tastes. For more than a decade, the brewery has supplied Edinburgh's independent bars, restaurants and bottle shops, becoming part of the city's local beer culture.

Experimentation is an important part of Barney's brewing philosophy. Through its Post Mortem range, the brewery explores styles and processes that push beyond its established core beers. These releases provide opportunities to experiment with mixed fermentation, barrel ageing, bold imperial stouts and unusual combinations of ingredients. Rather than pursuing expansion for its own sake, Barney's places emphasis on developing its brewing knowledge, refining techniques and discovering new possibilities. This curiosity reflects the creative environment of Summerhall, where experimentation and independent thinking are central to the wider community.

Today, Barney's Beer continues to represent a distinctive part of Edinburgh's independent brewing scene. Its location at Summerhall connects modern craft brewing with the site's historic brewing traditions and the surrounding city's artistic energy. By balancing approachable everyday beers with more adventurous experimental releases, the brewery offers something for both traditional ale drinkers and those seeking unusual contemporary styles. Remaining committed to craftsmanship, quality and continuous improvement, Barney's aims above all to produce beers its team is proud to share.