Hopfields Brewery in Margate celebrated their first birthday on Saturday, November 1 with free beer, snacks and cake for everyone.
“As Channel locals, we have been humbled by how many people have got behind us, told friends and family and returned again and again,” owners Nick and Bec Blacklow said.
Hopfield Brewery, formerly known as the Brookfield Shed, was owned by Julia Ridgers for seven years until she closed doors in January 2024.
Nick and Bec, who celebrated their wedding at Brookfield, decided to secure the licence and reopen Brookfield as Hopfields Brewery, which acknowledges the history of the site as the paddocks behind the venue were once lined with acres of hops.
“It’s been a rollercoaster,” Bec said of their first year.
“The most challenging part for us was definitely before we opened doors.
“There were a lot of 3am freakouts!”
Nick and Bec had hoped to open in July last year but were delayed by essential upgrades to the venue and didn’t open until November.
“When we opened the doors we were like, is anyone going to come?” Bec said.
Luckily the husband-and-wife duo had little to worry about, as Bec said they were “flooded with people” on opening night.
“Our first night was so supportive, and it’s just continued on ever since,” Bec said.
“It’s really blown us away how amazing the community is and how they keep backing us.”
Hopfields now employs more than 20 local staff and the kitchen sources ingredients from local producers.
Brewer JJ King has led the production of over 17 different beers.
Bec said she and Nick plan to keep improving their menu and drinks to ensure that it accommodates for everyone, including more cocktails and mocktails for patrons not so enthused by beer.
“We’ll just keep on chipping away as we are and make it a nice welcoming place for all walks of life,” Bec said.
