Sophie Ashdown: Senior Brewer at Buxton Brewery

If you’ve enjoyed a Buxton beer over the last few years, chances are Sophie Ashdown has had a hand in making it.

From pouring pints in our Tap House to leading brews as our Senior Brewer, Sophie’s journey is one of passion, determination and a genuine love for great beer.

From the bar to the brewhouse

Sophie’s Buxton story began over six years ago in our Tap House. Since then she’s worn plenty of hats from packing webshop orders during lockdown, working in the Garden Tap (back when it was just a humble container and has since evolved into Trackside!), running the canning line, and eventually finding her place where she always wanted to be: on the brewing team.

“I realised I wanted to make brewing my career. The more involved I became, the more I knew this was where I belonged.”

That drive led Sophie to complete her Level 4 Brewing Apprenticeship with HIT Training, graduating with a Distinction. Along the way she built lasting friendships across the industry and continued developing her craft.

Brewing with passion

Ask Sophie what she loves brewing most and the answer comes quickly:

“I love brewing a NEIPA, the soupier the better. I love pushing recipes to make them as tropical and punchy as possible.”

But if she had to choose one Buxton brew that’s closest to her heart right now?

Deepdale.

“A proper classic. Clear, smooth and incredibly easy drinking.”

Favourite Buxton beer?

Sophie’s first Buxton love was Skyline (especially the Scotch far Skyline version), but these days she’s firmly in Team Deepdale.

Beyond Buxton

When it comes to beers that have inspired her, Sophie’s tastes have evolved over the years, but one brewery has remained a favourite: Fyne Ales and their celebrated Origin Series.

She also has a soft spot for one style that deserves more love:

“Any brown ale… chef’s kiss.“

Championing women in beer

For Sophie, brewing is about much more than making great beer.

She’s passionate about supporting women in brewing, sharing knowledge and helping make the industry even more welcoming for future generations.

“My inspiration comes from the incredible friends I’ve met through brewing and the amazing women, both inside and outside the industry, who share a passion for beer. I love talking about beer, advocating for women in brewing and helping build an industry full of passionate people.”

Sharing the conversation

Sophie’s enthusiasm has led to appearances on some fantastic beer podcasts, including:

🍺 A Women’s Brew, where she joined Tori Powell and Joanne Love to chat about her journey while tasting Buxton favourites Plan Bee, Wangdoodle and Adventure Is Worthwhile.

 🍺First Draught Podcast, alongside Elizabeth from Kerroo Brewing and Eloise Nicholson-Phillips, discussing women in beer, International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day and everything they love about brewing.

Recognition from the industry

This year has been packed with well-deserved recognition.

Sophie was shortlisted in the very first Women in Beer Awards, describing the experience as “surreal” and saying she felt incredibly grateful to stand alongside so many inspiring women in brewing.

She’s also:

• Been interviewed by Rachel Green for CAMRA’s InnSpire magazine.
• Featured in an article by beer writer Laura Hadland for The Telegraph.
• Spoken on a HIT Training panel at the International Women’s Day Conference & Expo about women thriving through apprenticeships.
• Built lifelong friendships across the industry through her apprenticeship, International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day and the Crafty Beer Girls community.

And the celebrations don’t stop there…

Sophie has recently been nominated for The Brewers Journal ‘Young Brewer of the Year’ another fantastic achievement and recognition of everything she’s brought to Buxton Brewery and the wider beer community.

Cheers to Sophie 🍻

From serving pints to brewing them, Sophie’s journey perfectly reflects what Buxton Brewery is all about: passion, curiosity, hard work and making exceptional beer.

We’re incredibly proud to have her on the team and can’t wait to see what she brews next.

If you see Sophie around the brewery or at a beer festival, don’t be shy, ask her about NEIPAs, Deepdale or why brown ales deserve a comeback.