The World of Beer Craft: Stu Bru hopes to be Europe’s first student-run craft brewery

Newcastle University’s Stu Bru came one step closer to being Europe’s first student run microbrewery after creating its first ale. The student-run social enterprise team has produced its first IPA in collaboration with Allendale Brewery in South West Northumberland. The aptly named Inaugural IPA was brewed during the Easter vacation and is being sent to an upcoming conference at the House of Lords. The new IPA will also be available at the Chelsea Flower Show this summer.

Stu Bru encompasses a social enterprise scheme alongside Newcastle University’s Student Brewing society. The group of entrepreneurial students is striving to produce Europe’s first student run microbrewery funded by a grant from Students’ Green Fund. Students are involved in every aspect of the brewing process from sourcing sustainable ingredients to marketing the finished product.

“It was great to have the Stu Bru team come and brew with us,” said Allendale’s Head Brewer Neil Thomas. “They really mucked in and showed a lot of enthusiasm for the brewing process and had some great ideas for their first beer, without going over the top. As a result they have produced a really good quality IPA.”

Co-President Zelda Mendelowitz explained how the enterprise is “all about educating students about what they consume and getting them involved in the Real Ale movement.”

Stu Bru’s Inaugural IPA is marketed as a refreshing twist on a classic recipe bringing happiness through Simcoe and Nelson Sauvin hops. It aims to be an easy-to-drink summer beer enticing new and inexperienced ale drinkers.

“It was an invaluable experience and on both of our visits to the brewery we got to assist in brewing beer on their full kits which gave us a great insight into the inner workings of the processes,” said Hugh O’Neill, one of the students involved in the brewing of Inaugural IPA.

Whilst the students’ brew is not yet commercially available, the production marks a milestone for the co-founders who have spent the last six months working to set up a microbrewery at Newcastle University. If successful the team will be the first fully student-run microbrewery in Europe. Stu Bru have already experienced interest from local suppliers and events as well as gaining a large following on social media platforms.