Burwell Brewery

Burwell Brewery was founded in 2019 by Richard 'Ricky' Dolphin and Paul Belton, two friends from the Cambridgeshire village of Burwell who shared a long-standing enthusiasm for making and drinking good beer. Ricky's brewing journey began shortly after he married, when he experimented with a basic homebrewing kit using a kilogram of malt extract syrup. Disappointed that the results were far removed from the quality of beer he enjoyed in pubs, he began exploring more advanced brewing techniques. Over the following 25 years, Ricky developed his knowledge through homebrewing, gradually refining his equipment, recipes and understanding of the brewing process. His enthusiasm eventually led to the creation of a dedicated brewery in his own garden.

Paul Belton became involved after meeting Ricky at Burwell Sports Centre, where their shared interest in beer developed into a friendship and regular brewing sessions. Paul's background as a chemist complemented Ricky's practical brewing experience, bringing additional scientific knowledge to their experiments. Together, they developed their skills and began considering how their hobby could become a small commercial venture. In 2019, they established Burwell Brewery, constructing a purpose-built timber brewing building at the bottom of Ricky's garden. The project was completed with help from friends, who were rewarded for their efforts with beer. The new building provided a dedicated space for brewing, replacing the less suitable domestic spaces that had previously supported Ricky's homebrewing activities.

The brewery began as a small independent operation focused on producing high-quality ales for local customers. Its brewing equipment has subsequently been upgraded to a 2.5-barrel system, supported by five conditioning tanks and a 500-litre unitank. These additions provide greater flexibility for fermentation, conditioning and production while allowing the brewery to retain its hands-on approach. Burwell produces beers in cask, bottle and bag-in-box, supplying a variety of drinking occasions and serving formats. The founders' combined backgrounds in technology, chemistry and brewing contribute to an approach centred on careful production and consistent quality. Despite its increased capacity, Burwell continues to identify as a nanobrewery, maintaining the small-scale character established when it first opened.

Community involvement remains an important part of Burwell Brewery's identity. Rather than operating as a large commercial producer, the brewery concentrates on supplying local beer festivals, clubs, events and customers in the surrounding area. Ricky and Paul continue to share their enthusiasm for brewing with visitors, inviting interested customers to contact them to arrange a visit during evenings or weekends. Both founders have maintained professional careers alongside their brewing activities, reflecting the personal commitment behind the business. Today, Burwell Brewery remains a distinctive example of a small, independently operated village brewery, combining decades of homebrewing experience, scientific curiosity and a strong connection to its local community.