Brewery, no longer in London
Original site: 8 Almond Road SE16 3LR (Southwark)
Second site: 34 Raymouth Road SE16 2DB (Southwark)
partizanbrewing.co.uk
First sold beer: November 2012
Ceased brewing in London: 10 March 2023
Former chef, White Horse Parsons Green cellarman and Redemption brewer Andy Smith had the opportunity to create his own brewery when the Kernel upgraded and offered him its old 6.5 hl kit. Although Andy was initially concerned about seeming too much in the Kernel’s shadow, Partizan eventually settled on a railway arch in an area known locally as the Blue close by, becoming the second of the Bermondsey breweries.
Early in 2015, it took over the next-door arch, number 7, in preparation for a new brewhouse with a 25 hl AB-UK mash tun and a copper which the brewers converted themselves from a former power station water tank spotted rusting in a Yorkshire field. The old kit was gifted once again to Cyclic Beer Farm in Barcelona, co-founded by former head brewer Josh Wheeler.
The brewery moved to a much bigger arch around the corner in November 2017, taking the brewhouse but adding a six new Malrex cylindroconical fermenters and a small bottling line. Further, larger fermenters were added in 2021. The taproom had unique bar fonts designed by Alec Doherty, an old friend of Andy’s who has long been responsible for the distinctive branding and labels.
Four other breweries have since occupied its former arches: Affinity and then Three Hills in arch 7 and Spartan then Battersea in arch 8.
With rents on the arch increasing, Partizan had long considered a move out of London and with footfall in the taproom failing to return to pre-lockdown levels, matters came to a head in early 2023. The taproom closed at short notice in March, with the assets sold to Langton Brewing in Market Harborough where Andy will continue to brew the brands, so at least Partizan beers will continue to be available.
Perhaps the most significant post-Covid loss to London brewing, the departure of Partizan was also a notable development in Bermondsey following Anspach & Hobday and BBNo relocating production elsewhere, significantly reducing the brewery total in what has long been regarded as the capital’s craft brewing crucible. The changes undoubtedly reflect the more aggressive approach of new landlords the Arch Co.
Partizan brewed beers for keg, can and bottle in a wide range of styles. Reflecting Andy’s background, restaurants made up a significant proportion of customers.
Updated 29 September 2023.
Leave a Reply