Belschnickel Brewery

Belschnickel Brewery was founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team Kevin and Rachel, whose shared enthusiasm for beer developed through their experiences living in Germany and Scotland. Kevin, originally from Stuttgart in south-western Germany, met Rachel, who grew up in Bridlington, after a concert in Berlin in 2016. Their interest in brewing began in 2018 after discovering a second-hand brewing book while living in the German capital. Following a move to Glasgow in 2019, they began experimenting with homebrewing in their kitchen, gradually refining their techniques and developing an appreciation for the history and traditions behind different beer styles. Their brewing activities expanded into a garage in 2020, providing more space for experimentation during the Covid pandemic.

After moving to Hull in 2021, Kevin and Rachel decided to turn their homebrewing hobby into a small commercial venture. Belschnickel Brewery launched in 2022, initially operating from a converted outbuilding at the end of their garden. Using a 50-litre Speidel Braumeister brewing system, they produced small batches of beer that were brewed, packaged and labelled by hand. The range included beers available in cans, kegs and 750ml bottles, reflecting their interest in traditional and contemporary serving formats. The brewery's distinctive visual identity was developed in collaboration with Hull-based designer Joseph Cox, who created its labels, branding and keg clips. This combination of carefully produced beer and original artwork helped establish Belschnickel's independent identity.

The brewery takes its unusual name from Belschnickel, also known as Pelznickel, a traditional Christmas figure associated with the forested regions of Baden-Württemberg in south-western Germany. Often depicted as a fur-clad visitor carrying gifts alongside a whip or bundle of branches, the character forms part of the region's folklore and was later introduced to Pennsylvania by German immigrants. The name reflects Kevin's German heritage and the brewery's wider interest in the cultural history of beer. Rather than simply following modern trends, Belschnickel aims to produce beers that respect the origins, ingredients and traditions of their styles. Malt, hops and yeast are given prominence, with an emphasis on allowing each beer's character to develop naturally through the brewing process.

A major new chapter began when Belschnickel relocated to Bridlington, taking over the historic buffet at the town's railway station. The project involved restoring the Grade II-listed station buffet and converting the former taxi office into a working brewery. Completed in 2026, the renovation brought the building back into use as Belschnickel Bahnhof, a brewery taproom designed to combine railway heritage with authentic German-inspired hospitality. The venue features four keg lines and three cask lines, showcasing Belschnickel beers alongside independent Yorkshire breweries, with further canned and bottled selections available. Most of the brewery's production is now served in keg at the onsite bar, creating a direct connection between the brewing operation and its customers. Belschnickel continues to produce unfiltered and unpasteurised beers, maintaining its small-scale, hands-on approach while contributing to the revival of an important Bridlington landmark.