Sussex Brewery Crowned South East's Best At Prestigious Indie Beer Awards

A Sussex farmhouse brewery has been crowned home to the best beer in the South East after taking the top honour at the 2026 Indie Beer Awards.

Three Acre Brewery, based in Uckfield, was named the Overall Champion at the regional awards with its 'Bonfire Beer' – a dark, rich old ale.

The independent brewery began as a homebrewing project in a potting shed in East Sussex before moving to its permanent home at Little Goldsmiths Farm.

Today, it produces award-winning cask ales, with 'Bonfire Beer' impressing judges thanks to its rich flavour profile.

The brewery describes the beer as: "Dark, rich and warming. With earthy, biscuity flavours, a balanced sweetness and endless depth."

The Indie Beer Awards were judged and presented at Windsor & Eton Brewery Taproom ahead of the Windsor Beer Festival.

The competition is organised by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), with entries assessed by beer sommeliers, master brewers and industry experts from across the UK.

Anneli Baxter, Chair of the SIBA Competitions Committee, said:

"Massive congratulations to Three Acre, who won their category before going on to be named the very best of the best in our Overall Champions judging.

"The quality of the beer was truly superb and to win the competition with a rich, dark old ale on a hot sunny July day is no mean feat, and shows the star quality of the beer.

"A further well done to all of this year's winners, who will now go on to compete at the National Finals early next year."

The awards celebrate the best beers from independent breweries across a wide range of styles, including pale ales, IPAs, porters, stouts and speciality beers.

As a regional gold medal winner, Three Acre Brewery will now represent the South East at the Indie Beer Awards National Finals in Liverpool in March 2027.