Utopian Brewing

Utopian began brewing in Devon in 2019 with the aim of producing distinctive craft lagers entirely from British-grown ingredients. Rather than looking overseas for traditional lager ingredients, the brewery celebrates Britain's malting heritage and diverse range of home-grown hops, using them to create its own interpretation of classic lager styles.

Its approach to brewing is deliberately patient and uncomplicated. Utopian describes its beers as naturally brewed, using water, malt, hops and yeast without adding finings or enzymes simply to speed up production or clarification. Instead, cold conditioning and time are used to develop and clarify the beer, while the brewery has also expanded beyond lager with occasional cask and one-off releases.

Sustainability is closely connected to this brewing philosophy. Using British ingredients reduces food miles, while the brewery avoids single-use plastics in its packaging, generates nitrogen onsite and uses natural carbonation to reduce its reliance on external carbon dioxide. Its wider ambitions include further reducing water and energy impacts and ultimately becoming carbon neutral.

Utopian is led by Managing Director Richard Archer, with Head Brewer Jeremy Swainson overseeing production. From its brewery near Crediton, the team continues to put British ingredients at the centre of its beers, while Arcadia in Exeter provides a community-focused bar and eatery where Utopian's beers are served alongside seasonal food and an independent drinks selection.