Dorking Brewery
Dorking Brewery is an independent craft brewery founded in 2008, brewing at Aldhurst Farm in Surrey. It sells canned and draught beer direct-to-consumer online with free UK delivery, through its taproom and three owned pubs, and via wholesale to UK trade accounts.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersDorking, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Dorking Brewery does
Dorking Brewery is an independent craft brewery founded in 2008 and legally constituted as Dorking Brewery 2016 LTD (UK private limited company). It brews from a converted cattle shed at Aldhurst Farm in Capel, near Dorking, Surrey, using traditional methods with premium inputs (Yakima Valley hops, English malts, super-soft water for lagers) and a closed-loop system where spent grain is fed to on-site cattle. The core product range spans canned beers (Pilcrow Pale, Freedom Trail Hazy Pale, Lunar White IPA, Temple Low Alcohol Pale at 0.5% ABV), draught products (DB One Best Bitter, West Street Lager, Misbrooks Brown Ale, Red India), and seasonal offerings (Festive Porter). The company has brewed continuously for 18+ years and carries 20,000+ ratings on Untappd.
Revenue is generated through six streams: direct-to-consumer e-commerce with free UK mainland delivery and no minimum order; a can-only subscription service offering 10% off with free shipping; the on-site Tap & Gun taproom (Thursday-Saturday); three wholly-owned pubs in Surrey (The Old House in Dorking, The Brewery Inn in Ashtead, The Dolphin in Betchworth); wholesale/trade supply to independent venues across the UK (minimum order £170, volume discounts, permanent beer-line installations with free cellar setup); and ancillary merchandise and e-vouchers (£20-£100). Pricing is unit-based across SKUs, with subscription as the only recurring layer. Distribution is UK-only, with shipping unavailable to the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, and the Isles of Scilly.
The company is independently owned with no disclosed external funding, parent company, or institutional investors. It markets through a multi-channel footprint (Shopify storefront, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, email, a content blog covering beer education and food pairing, Untappd ratings, and Saturday brewery tours at £15 per person). The brewery is operated by Head Brewer Tom Wells (promoted 2025) and Production Brewer Jeremy 'Jez' Matthews (joined July 2025).
Dorking Brewery firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Dorking Brewery
- Legal name
- Dorking Brewery 2016 LTD
- Website
- https://dorkingbrewery.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Dorking Brewery is an independent craft brewery founded in 2008, brewing at Aldhurst Farm in Surrey. It sells canned and draught beer direct-to-consumer online with free UK delivery, through its taproom and three owned pubs, and via wholesale to UK trade accounts.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Dorking Brewery industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Craft Beer
- NAICS
- Breweries (31212), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (722410)
- SIC
- Malt Beverages (2082), Wholesale-Beer, Wine & Distilled Alcoholic Beverages (5180)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Beer Brewing & Brands (CRADAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service) (THAFALAA), Beer, Brewery & Craft Beverage Tastings (THAJAGAE)
Keywords
Where Dorking Brewery is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dorking, Surrey
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices4 records
Markets served
Dorking Brewery business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Direct-to-Consumer Beer Sales: Online sales of canned beer (440ml, 12 or 24 packs), draught beer (5L mini kegs, 9-36 pint beer boxes), and mixed packs. Free UK delivery with no minimum order. Subscription option offering 10% discount and free shipping.
- Taproom and On-Site Sales: The Tap & Gun taproom on Aldhurst Farm serves beer directly to visitors Thursday through Saturday. Also offers brewery tours at £15 per person.
- Trade and Wholesale: Supply to independent pubs, clubs, restaurants, and bottle shops across Surrey and the UK. Minimum order £170. Volume discounts available. Also offers permanent beer line arrangements.
- Owned Pubs: Three owned pubs: The Old House (Dorking), The Brewery Inn (Ashtead), and The Dolphin (Betchworth). These serve as both retail outlets and brand ambassadors.
- Merchandise: Branded merchandise including T-shirts (£24.99), hoodies, beanies, water bottles (£15), shopping bags, and gift vouchers (£20+).
- Gift Vouchers: E-vouchers available in denominations from £20 to £100, valid for one year from purchase. Redeemable on the online store.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Canned Beer (440ml) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Draught Beer (Mini Kegs and Beer Boxes) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mixed Packs |
| Subscription | Monthly | Subscription Service |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Trade/Wholesale |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Brewery Tours |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Merchandise |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Gift Packs |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels10 records
Dorking Brewery product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dorking Brewery is an independent craft brewery based at Aldhurst Farm in Capel, Surrey, brewing a portfolio of handcrafted canned and draught beers (pale ales, IPAs, lagers, brown ales, porters, and a low-alcohol pale) since 2008. Beyond beer, it sells merchandise and gift products, runs brewery tours, operates a subscription service, runs an on-site taproom (The Tap & Gun), and serves customers through three owned pubs plus a trade/wholesale channel across the UK.
Product overview
Dorking Brewery is an independent craft brewery based at Aldhurst Farm in Capel, Surrey, offering a portfolio of handcrafted beers alongside merchandise, gift products, and experiential offerings. The core product range spans canned beers (Pilcrow Pale, Freedom Trail Hazy Pale, Lunar White IPA, Temple Low Alcohol Pale), draught products (DB One Best Bitter, West Street Lager, Misbrooks Brown Ale, Red India), and seasonal specials (Festive Porter). Additional offerings include merchandise (T-shirts, hoodies, accessories), gift products (E-Vouchers, Mixed Packs, Gift Packs), services (subscription, wholesale/trade), and experiences (brewery tours, taproom). The company operates three pubs (The Old House, The Brewery Inn, The Dolphin) and a taproom (The Tap & Gun) alongside its direct-to-consumer online store.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pilcrow Pale 4% ABV flagship pale ale brewed with Citra and Chinook hops from Yakima Valley and five different malts, delivering a well-rounded, juicy citrus and tropical flavor profile. Available in 440ml cans (12- or 24-packs) for individual craft beer drinkers.
- Freedom Trail Hazy Pale 4.5% ABV New England IPA featuring Citra and Idaho 7 hops with a bold yeast strain, producing a hop-driven full-bodied hazy pale with mango, orange, and lychee notes. Sold as 440ml cans in 12- or 24-packs.
- Lunar White IPA 4.7% ABV White IPA brewed with Simcoe and Mosaic hops for grapefruit and blueberry character, featuring Belgian Wit yeast for gentle phenolics and a crisp finish. Available as 440ml cans.
- Temple Low Alcohol Pale 0.5% ABV low-alcohol pale ale brewed with El Dorado, Citra, and Mosaic hops for intense tropical and citrus fruit aroma, targeted at mindful drinkers who want flavour without alcohol. Sold as 440ml cans.
- DB One Best Bitter 4.2% ABV best bitter brewed with 100% English malt and Bobek and Bramling Cross hops. The original Dorking beer, unchanged since 2008. Sold in 5L mini kegs (9 pints) and 9–36 pint beer boxes as part of the draught range.
- West Street Lager 4.5% ABV Czech-style pilsner brewed with super-soft water and Saaz hops, crisp and refreshing with a clean finish. Named after the historic Dorking Street where The Old House pub is situated. Available in cans and draught formats.
- Misbrooks Brown Ale 3.4% ABV English brown ale with malt-focused dark flavours of chocolate, dark fruits, and nuts, featuring Goldings and Fuggles hops for soft, low bitterness. Sold in draught formats.
- Red India Red Ale (Rye Edition) 5% ABV red ale featuring crystal malt for caramel and toffee notes paired with Centennial, Amarillo, and Perle hops, with rye adding subtle spiciness. Available as a 9pt Mini Keg, 18pt Beer Box, and 36pt Beer Box in the draught range.
- Surrey XPA Extra Pale Ale described as light, zesty, and refreshing with oats providing smooth mouthfeel, positioned as a versatile pairing beer for individual craft beer drinkers.
- Five Claw West Coast IPA West Coast IPA featuring six different hops for tropical fruit aromas and punchy bitterness, brewed with American ale yeast for bold character. Targets hop-forward craft beer drinkers.
- Black Noise Porter Classic London-style porter brewed with British East Kent Goldings hops and eight different malts, featuring chocolate and roasted coffee aromas. Available in draught formats.
- Festive Porter (Chocolate Orange) Seasonal Christmas special featuring chocolate orange flavours, positioned as a festive twist on the classic London-style Black Noise Porter. Available in draught format.
- Mixed Pack x 6 Pre-curated 6-can mixed pack containing 2x West Street Lager, 2x Pilcrow Pale, and 2x Freedom Trail, designed for customers wanting to sample multiple flagship varieties in one purchase.
- Father's Day Ultimate Gift Pack Seasonal gift bundle featuring 3 bestselling beers with a Brewery Tour & Tasting Pass voucher for a fully guided brewery tour, positioned for Father's Day gifting.
- E-Voucher Digital gift voucher redeemable on the online store, available in denominations from £20 to £100 and valid for one year from purchase. Targets gift purchasers.
- DB T-Shirt Brewery-branded t-shirt in soft ringspun cotton, light-to-medium weight, available in sizes XS to 2XL at £24.99. Sold as part of the merchandise range.
- DB Hoodie Brewery-branded hoodie in 80% ringspun cotton/20% polyester with double fabric hood and front pouch pocket, available in Deep Sea Blue and sizes XS to 2XL.
- DB Cuffed Beanie Brewery-branded beanie in 100% soft touch acrylic with embroidered DB logo and double-layer knit.
- DB Water Bottle Stainless steel, leak-proof, double-walled water bottle suitable for hot and cold liquids, with 500ml capacity. Sold from £15.
- DB Shopping Bag Heavyweight 400gsm canvas shopping bag in 100% recycled open-end cotton, 61 x 38.5cm, with hidden snap closure and reinforced handles.
- Brewery Tours Guided tours of the Aldhurst Farm brewhouse led by brewery staff, lasting approximately 45 minutes and including a beer tasting, priced at £15 per person and run every Saturday at 11:30am. Targets visitors to the Surrey taproom site.
- Beer Subscription Service Recurring beer subscription offering 10% off every order and free shipping. Customers choose their beers and delivery frequency, with the ability to pause or cancel anytime. Available for canned beers only.
- Wholesale & Trade Supply Trade supply of cask, keg, and 440ml cans to independent pubs, clubs, restaurants, and bottle shops across Surrey and the UK. £170 minimum order, free UK delivery, volume discounts (10% off 10+ case orders; 10% off 3 draught items, 15% off 5+ draught items), free collection from the brewery, and permanent beer line arrangements with free cellar setup.
Companies that use Dorking Brewery
Customer profileSegments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Dorking Brewery technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Dorking Brewery partnerships and signals
Strategic signalScale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Dorking Brewery competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Camden Town Brewery: London-based craft brewery with flagship brewery/taproom, DTC and off-trade distribution across UK. Comparable craft positioning, though now owned by AB InBev, giving it scale advantages Dorking lacks while sharing DTC and taproom model.
- Harvey's Brewery: Historic family-owned regional brewery in Lewes, East Sussex, with tied estate of own pubs across the South East. Comparable in independent ownership, regional pub estate, and traditional/craft range.
- Beavertown Brewery: London-based craft brewery (now owned by Heineken) with strong DTC, on-trade presence, and brewery taproom. Comparable craft portfolio and taproom model, with scale advantage from parent.
- Tiny Rebel Brewing Co: Welsh independent craft brewery with own pubs/bars (e.g., Tiny Rebel Cardiff), DTC webstore, and trade distribution. Similar indie-owned, multi-channel craft model with venues.
- Thornbridge Brewery: Independent craft brewery based in Derbyshire with national off-trade distribution and DTC sales. Comparable premium craft positioning and independent ownership at similar scale.
- Long Man Brewery: Independent craft brewery based in East Sussex, brewing traditional and modern cask/keg ales with DTC and regional on-trade distribution. Similar indie scale and South East England regional footprint.
- Fourpure Brewing Co: London Bermondsey-based craft brewery (now part of Asahi) with on-site taproom and DTC. Similar urban/regional craft positioning and taproom-led model.
- Wimbledon Brewery: Independent craft brewery based in Wimbledon, South West London — same Surrey-adjacent region as Dorking. Operates its own taproom (The Tap House), own pub (The Brewery Tap), DTC e-commerce with delivery, and trade supply. Closest geographic and operational analogue.
Broad incumbents
- BrewDog: Largest UK independent-style craft brewer with extensive own-bar network across the UK and international DTC. A broader incumbent that competes for tap handles and DTC share but at materially larger scale.
Regional players
- St Austell Brewery: Family-owned regional brewery in Cornwall with a tied pub estate, DTC, and trade distribution. Comparable in independent regional brewer + pub estate combination, though geographically different.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Dorking Brewery social profiles
Digital presenceDorking Brewery financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Dorking Brewery leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Dorking Brewery subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
Dorking Brewery funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Dorking Brewery M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Dorking Brewery
What does Dorking Brewery do?
Dorking Brewery is an independent craft brewery based at Aldhurst Farm in Capel, Surrey, brewing a portfolio of handcrafted canned and draught beers (pale ales, IPAs, lagers, brown ales, porters, and a low-alcohol pale) since 2008. Beyond beer, it sells merchandise and gift products, runs brewery tours, operates a subscription service, runs an on-site taproom (The Tap & Gun), and serves customers through three owned pubs plus a trade/wholesale channel across the UK.
Is Dorking Brewery a public or private company?
Dorking Brewery is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Dorking Brewery founded?
Dorking Brewery was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Dorking Brewery based?
Dorking Brewery is headquartered in Dorking, Surrey, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Dorking Brewery make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Direct-to-Consumer Beer Sales are the primary driver. The others are taproom and On-Site Sales, trade and Wholesale, owned Pubs, merchandise and gift Vouchers.
Who are Dorking Brewery's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Camden Town Brewery, Harvey's Brewery, Beavertown Brewery, Tiny Rebel Brewing Co, Thornbridge Brewery, Long Man Brewery, Fourpure Brewing Co and Wimbledon Brewery. BrewDog is listed as a broad incumbent. St Austell Brewery is listed as a regional player.
Does Dorking Brewery have an API?
No public API is recorded for Dorking Brewery.
What industry is Dorking Brewery in?
Dorking Brewery's product category is Craft Beer. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRADAIAA, Beer Brewing & Brands, with a secondary code of THAFALAA, Brewpubs & Taprooms (On-site Beer Service). Its NAICS code is 31212 and its SIC code is 2082.