10 years with Head Brewer, Andy

This month, we’re celebrating one of our longest serving members of staff, our original Beardy Brewer, Andy Marshall.

Andy started 10 years ago back in October 2011 as a 24 year old at The Greyhound when it first opened.

We interviewed Andy to get the low-down on how he’s found a decade of DBC!

First, what do you like to be called?

You’d think it would be a straightforward question, I started as an Andy but as the years have gone I’m more of a Drew.

When did you start working for DBC?

They tell me it’s 2011, 10 years, pretty crazy.

And how’s that been?

10 years, it can’t be that bad eh? Honestly, it’s been really good. They have supported and encouraged my growth over the years. I was a little wayward, I think it’s a fair to say when I joined, but they helped me forge a career that I love.

How did you start working here?

I started as a supervisor at the Greyhound. Then an opportunity came up to be a brewery assistant; basically I cleaned all the casks, fermenters, kettle and racked off the beers.

What roles have you done within DBC?

I’m not exaggerating when I say everything.

What’s your current role at DBC?

Head Brewer since October 2017.

And what does that entail?

I brew the beers, but with us being a small team I also deliver, run the distribution from the warehouse, dabble in a bit of admin, basically will turn my hand at anything.

What’s the best thing about being a brewer?

Honestly just making beer for people to enjoy. Sitting in a pub and hearing someone compliment your beer is an absolute vibe man.

What’s your favourite memory of working with us?

My 1st brew day. It blew my mind, some people say it’s hard work and I guess it is, but that day changed my life, I mean we’re still here.

What’s your best moment of working for DBC?

Hmm... winning my first award, perhaps. Being offered Head brewer was a real proud moment.

…and Any low moments?

Covid was definitely the lowest. It was hard as it was for everyone. Just the uncertainty of it all, what things would be like on the other side. But thanks to the support from our customers we are here, and very much looking forward to the future.

What motivates you at work?

Making beer is a cop out isn’t it? I want to help push this company as far as it can go.

So, outside of work… what do you do in your spare time?

I play a bit of 5 a side, a lot slower these days. My xbox is usually running some PUBG and getting out and about with Stanley. Oh and the pub, obviously the pub.

Who’s Stanley?!

He’s a Jack Russell and the bestest boy.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Meatloaf, he did a farewell tour, turned out he’d do a few more tours after that.

What sports teams do you support?

Nottingham Forest, goes down well here.

Now onto beers. What’s your favourite DBC beer?

Mercia IPA.

And non-DBC beer?

It’s a tough question, I’m a big fan of Northern Monk brews and could quite easily run off a list but the first beer I had after Lockdown was Timothy Taylor’s landlord. It’s all I could think about when the murmurings of the pubs reopening came out. Looking back, it might be the best pint I ever will have.