Picture this.
You’re a group of mates who catch up for a few beers regularly at one of Hamilton’s favourite watering holes – The Blind Monk.
Most times, you chat about work, family and how you’d change the world if you had the chance.
Then, on one occasion, you start discussing how you could save the bar some money by purchasing the vacant building next door and creating a gathering space where you brew your own beers and enjoy sharing them with extended friends.
For most groups of mates, by Tuesday this is where that beer-soaked talk ends.
But, for the dozen owners of Good Folk Brewing, this was just the start of what was recently voted Newcastle’s Best Brewery 2023/24.
The name itself is an ode to a commitment they made to remain a bunch of grounded, level-headed lads and lasses looking after those that need it in their hometown of Newcastle.
The group’s number one selling brew is a tribute to a mate lost way too soon.
It’s called Danny’s Wedge, and it’s named after father-of-three Danny Egan, who tragically lost his life in a bicycle accident in 2019.
Danny was notoriously late to every drinking session, say his mates.
To rejoin the shout, group rules dictated he purchase a “wedge’ of his choice until he was deemed up to speed with the others.
Despite being a dark beer drinker, Danny would opt for a mid-range, fresh and tropical pale ale.
When the Good Folk team created their first brew and it shared many of those characteristics, the name almost created itself.
That’s when Danny’s Wedge was born.
Danny’s wife is now one of the founders of the Beaumont Street haunt.
Her husband’s memory is captured in the venue’s most popular beer, wrapped in a bright yellow can. representing the sunshine that he once brought to each and every function.
The venue itself is thriving, remaining true to its promise to be Good Folk.
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