A family-run Harrogate brewery has flown the flag for the town in the UK’s biggest beer competition and come away triumphant.

Winning in the Indie Beer Awards was Harrogate Brewing Co, the independent brewery located off Hookstone Chase.

The brewery, which stepped in last year to save the Old Bell Tavern pub, won the Gold medal for its Nidd Mild (3.7 ABV) in the Cask Session Dark Beer category.

Organised by the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), the national awards were presented by Sunday Times columnist Pete Brown at a flagship ceremony in Liverpool’s packed-out BeerX UK.

UK Indie Beer Awards winners - Since Yorkshire born-and-bred co-owners Joe Joyce and his wife Julie took over Harrogate Brewing Co, it has won a series of top awards. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — UK Indie Beer Awards winners - Since Yorkshire born-and-bred co-owners Joe Joyce and his wife Julie took over Harrogate Brewing Co, it has won a series of top awards. (Picture contributed)

Judged by brewers and industry experts, the Indie Beer Awards 2026 run across a huge range of beer style categories including pale ale, IPA, stout and lager.

Overall Champion of the Cask in the 2026 Indie Beer Awards was Almasty Brewery in Newcastle with its 6% Believe New England style IPA.

Lakes Brew Co in Kendall won Overall Champion in Keg with the decadent 8.4% Don't Make Me Run Imperial Stout.

Baker's Dozen in Stamford won Overall Champion in the bottle /can competition with the bright and refreshing 3.2% Agua Fresca Sour.

Andy Slee, SIBA Chief Executive, said: “The demand for independent beer has never been higher and it's easy to see why when trying some of these award-winners; varied, exciting and all absolutely delicious.

"I want to congratulate all of the winners but, in particular, our Overall Champions who are truly the very best of the best in the UK right now.”

Since its Yorkshire born-and-bred co-owners Joe Joyce and his wife Julie took over the independent brewery in early 2020, Harrogate Brewing Co and its popular taproom have been a huge hit.

The Indie Beer Awards are the UK national finals and in order to earn a place at the competition brewers had to first win Gold at their regional competition.

One of the winners, Baker's Dozen, adjudged to be the the UK's best beer in a bottle/can, will now get automatic entry into the World Beer Cup in America, competing against the best beers on the planet.

More information: https://siba.co.uk/