Borderlines Brewing

Borderlines Brewing began in May 2020 when Oli and Azzie decided to experiment with making beer at home using a simple plastic fermentation bucket and malt extract kit. What started as a lockdown curiosity quickly developed into a shared passion for brewing. After producing their first bottled beers, they moved to all-grain brewing in September 2020 with the purchase of an all-in-one homebrewing system. Their early experiments included a heavily dry-hopped pale ale and a New England IPA, introducing them to the challenges of recipe development, hop character and fermentation. Despite some less successful early batches, the experience encouraged them to continue experimenting and improving their brewing techniques.

Throughout 2021, Oli and Azzie expanded their brewing knowledge by experimenting with different beer styles and serving methods. Their homebrewing projects included porters, stouts, lagers, IPAs and even cider, allowing them to develop a broader understanding of ingredients and production techniques. They also assembled a six-line mobile bar, featuring four draught lines and two handpulls, initially used for serving their own beers at home. Encouragement from friends and family gradually led to conversations about turning the hobby into a commercial venture. During 2022, the pair concentrated on improving their recipes, refining consistency and developing a range of beers they felt confident sharing with customers. By the end of the year, they had six beers on tap and were preparing to establish their own brewery.

Borderlines Brewing officially launched in September 2023 from a converted garage in Meon Vale, Warwickshire. Establishing the business required transforming the space into a suitable commercial brewing environment, securing the necessary registrations and licences, and developing the infrastructure needed to produce and sell beer legally. The brewery takes its name from its location close to the boundaries of Warwickshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire. Operating with a one-barrel brewing system, Borderlines remains deliberately small, producing a maximum of approximately 250 cans per batch. Both founders continue to work full-time outside the brewery, making Borderlines a passion-led business built around their enthusiasm for fresh, flavourful and approachable craft beer.

The brewery's first full year of trading in 2024 marked an important period of development. Oli and Azzie focused on improving beer quality and consistency while expanding their presence at local markets, events and independent retailers. Over the course of the year, Borderlines produced 23 different beers across 29 brewing days and sold more than 3,500 cans. Its beers were available through the brewery's website, four supporting shops and 32 markets and events across the local area. The team also introduced branded beer mats and pint glasses to celebrate its first anniversary and appeared on the Daft About Craft podcast. Alongside packaged beer sales, Borderlines developed its mobile bar offering, providing fresh craft beer for weddings, private parties, festivals and community events. Today, the brewery continues to embrace its small-scale identity, focusing on brewing beers the founders genuinely enjoy drinking while maintaining close connections with its local community.