Our first bi-monthly award of the year for January-February 2025 has gone to Crew Brewing Company at 35 Thomas Street. Pictured outside the brewery receiving the award from Maura is Crew brewer Jono Crute (Photo: Adrian Butler/Limerick Leader)

We have long admired this fabulous microbrewery at the top of Thomas Street, but given how close it was in proximity to two of our previous award winners in 2023 and 2024, we waited until 2025 to give them this most deserved award. The brewery always looks so well, particularly in the summer when it is a vibrant hive of activity with people sitting outside in their up-cycled seating, including stools made from old beer kegs which we just love. There is a great sense of community and inclusivity about the place, and it has really helped to bring this end of Thomas Street to life. The brewery’s signage also suffered significant damage during Storm Eowyn in January, and as a result, the team plan on bringing in Tom Collins sign maker to create vibrant new signage which we can’t wait to see.

Crew Brewing Company was set up by a few friends from Belfast with a passion for beer, community, and craic. They travelled around Ireland to find their dream destination and finally opened their doors in Limerick City in September 2020 after many pandemic-related set-backs. They were amazed from the moment they started how supportive the community was; some looking for the best craft they could find, and some just seeking a new welcoming, inclusive space in the city. Despite the setbacks Crew has flourished. The staff, all paid a living wage as part of the company’s dedication to providing an equitable workplace, contribute much to the charm of the venue and the whole team are very proud that now, years later, their customers come from all over, with all different motivations, and all united by the quality of the beers on offer in a space that allows people to be themselves comfortably. Crew Brewing Company can be contacted by email on hi@crewbrewing.ie, via their website www.crewbrewing.ie or social media channels.

Crew Brewing Company is our first winner for 2025 and will be in with a chance to be our Overall Winner for 2025. The online poll for the Overall Winner for 2024 will remain open until 28th February and the winner will be announced next month, so watch this space and please do vote!