A SMALL independent Dorset brewery has set a new precedent at an established brewery competition after winning eight awards.

The Eight Arch Brewing Co. established in 2015 close to the banks of the River Allen in Wimborne is named after the eight arches at nearby landmark, Julian’s Bridge.

Owner & Brewer Steve Farrell who was born and raised in Wimborne, said: "I'm still in shock that we won so many! The beers that won their categories now head to SIBA BeerX in March 2020 when they go up against the winners from the same category from the other seven regions in SIBA.

"The judges were made up of fellow brewers, Supplier Associates, members of the press, local CAMRA members and beer enthusiasts.

He added: "One thing that I'm super proud of is that Corbel has been entered in the South West cask competition for the last four years and has placed 1st/2nd/2nd/2nd, after winning in 2016 it then went onto to win Gold nationally at BeerX and 3rd in the overall champion of the competition. Last year Corbel also won Gold at the South West competition in small pack and went on to win Gold nationally at BeerX last month.

So what is the secret of his success?

"Consistency. We always want to make great beer that people will enjoy but consistency is key. I think that shows by how many times Corbel has won and why it has become such a well known beer.

We are very happy with the position we are in but who knows what the future holds?!

"We expanded in January 2018 and increased our brewing capacity by 67 per cent and increased it again in September, I said in January 2018 there would be no more expansion but we did!

SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers Association) South West Awards, with its vision is to deliver the future of British Craft Beer - each year holds a judging and awards day... this year something a little different happened, Eight Arch Brewing Co from Wimborne arrived.

The awards in Newton Abbot for the 27th year in a row featured over 69 different breweries from across the South West entering the competition across different categories.

The competition included large breweries with lots of experience such as Palmers and Liberation and in previous competitions breweries which have done remarkably well average four Gold to Bronze across the different categories, however Eight Arch Brewing Co independent brewery from the small town of Wimborne exceeded any previous president set by achieving an ironic eight awards.

Eight Arch Brewing Co based on Stone Lane Industrial Estate in Wimborne, Dorset open the doors to the public every Friday.