no. 053 | Redwillow

2026 will mark five years of batch, which is an exciting prospect made all the better by the fact we’re still welcoming in new breweries to the island. Here’s batch no. 053, run by a husband and wife in Macclesfield.

RedWillow Brewery is an independent craft brewery based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, known for producing a wide range of quality beers that blend traditional British brewing with modern craft sensibilities. Founded in 2010, Toby and Caroline McKenzie came from the worlds of IT and biomedical science. The two originally explored their passion for brewing at home, fifteen years later the brewing set-up has changed, but their classically inspired, hop-driven beers haven’t. Named after Toby and Caroline’s two children, Red and Willow, their philosophy centres on brewing beers that are balanced, flavourful, and enjoyable, whether that’s a traditional best bitter or a hop-forward pale ale.

Based in Macclesfield, Cheshire, the brewery team is formed of just nine people, but is also supported by two bars – one in Macclesfield and another in Buxton. Last year, they celebrated their 15th anniversary with an expansive programme designed to celebrate both the brewery’s history and its ongoing creativity. Rather than a single event, the anniversary was recognised through a year-long series of initiatives that highlighted RedWillow’s community spirit and commitment to craft brewing.

A central pillar of the celebration was collaboration. They teamed up with several of the UK’s most respected independent breweries – not to mention some of our favourites and previous feature breweries, including DEYA, Lost and Grounded, The Kernel, and Thornbridge. Together they produced a sequence of limited edition beers released throughout the anniversary year. Showcasing a blend of different brewing styles and ideas, the collection celebrated friendship and mutual inspiration within the British craft beer community.

In addition, RedWillow revisited some of its most beloved beers from the past, reimagining classic recipes with the benefit of 15 years of brewing experience and updated techniques. This thoughtful approach allowed long-time fans to experience familiar favourites with a fresh twist.

The brewery’s anniversary was punctuated by success in industry competitions, including multiple awards at the SIBA Independent Beer Awards, where RedWillow collected several Silver and Bronze medals.

Quietly but consistently recognised as one of the early contributors to the modern UK craft beer movement, RedWillow remains independently owned and committed to quality and experimentation. Power to them.