Online retailer to “revolutionise” craft beer in UK

A new online craft beer seller is aiming to “revolutionise the retailing of craft beers in the UK”.

Chris France (left) and Mark Roberts (right)

Based in Harrogate in North Yorkshire, Mark Roberts and Chris France, previously of Laithwaites Wines and Proctor & Gamble, have launched www.BeerHawk.co.uk to bring craft beers from around the world to UK consumers.

The pair have amassed 200 beers from across the globe and are offering free delivery to customers who spend over £50 – a first in the UK.

With criticisms of other sites for being too complicated to use or for adding delivery charges on at the end, the pair hope to introduce good beer to all through “beer clubs” – a monthly case of selected beers – and “discovery” cases as well.

Roberts said: “We love drinking great beers and guest ales in pubs, but were frustrated by how difficult it was to purchase these beers to drink at home.  The range available in most supermarkets is poor, and the few existing websites that do stock better beer were either hideously difficult to use, or hit customers with a large delivery charge at checkout.”

He continued: “The typical consumer of speciality beers has become a great deal more discerning and adventurous over the last decade, and the secure website we have created enables users to easily hunt out their favourite ales and discover unusual beers from the comfort of their sofa.

“It will also allow us to send a hand picked regular ‘beer club’ selection that we individually select on the basis of quality, beer style and value.”

Roberts added: “Our range only includes beers that we have personally tasted and are willing to recommend to our customers.  We’re inviting beer-lovers to help us hunt out new beers for consideration, and expect to introduce new breweries into our range each week.  We want our customers to feel part of our company and join us in our hunt for the world’s best beer”.