Our Story

The Equal Brewkery was founded in 2017 by Bill Russell with the vision to show that people with learning disabilities can be at the heart of a successful business. 

Equal Brewkery, a combined bakery and micro-brewery, is a not-for-profit, community interest company created to provide training and support for people with learning disabilities.

A few years ago, Bill suffered a stroke and lost the use of his right arm, the hearing on his right side and some mobility in his right leg. Following an operation to remove a blockage in his carotid artery he began to regain the movement in his arm and leg, but he began to wonder what happened to people who suffered strokes, had brain impairments, or learning difficulties. This was his main motivation in setting up Equal Brewkery. In addition to this he wanted to show that people with learning disabilities can achieve.

We operate from our converted shipping container based at Whitlingham Country Park in Norwich. We make a variety of delicious ales - including a festive one! We also bake a large variety of breads, cakes and pizzas! 

Meet the team

Bill

Favourite drink - Brewkery Beer

Favourite bake - Brewkery Bread

Angie

Favourite drink - Red Wine

Favourite bake - Chocolate Brownies

Sally

Favourite drink - Coffee

Favourite bake - All types of bread

Donna

Favourite drink - Strawberry milkshake and Beer

Favourite bake - Carrot Cake

Fairless

Favourite drink - Brewkery Festive Ale

Favourite bake - Brewkery Lemon Drizzle Cake

Ruby

Favourite drink - Coffee

Favourite bake - Maple and Pecan plait

David

Favourite drink - Brewkery Golden Ale

Favourite Bake - Carrot cake

 

Emma

Favourite drink - Appletiser

Favourite bake - Apple crumble shortbread slice

Colin

Favourite drink - Riggwelter dark ale

Favourite bake - Wholemeal seeded loaf

Matt

Favourite drink - Guinness

Favourite bake - Bagel

Samuel

Favourite drink - Estrella

Favourite bake - Brewkery Lemon Drizzle Cake

We are always looking for new people to come and join us so please get in touch at hello@equalbrewkery.org.uk 

Here we are at the Festive Fair at the Forum 2022! What a fantastic event! We did so well, we sold out of most of our produce. Thank you to everyone who came and supported us!

“After watching Bill's Youtube videos during lockdown, Jacob was able to bake with very little support from us. His confidence has also improved.”

Jacob's mum

Logo

Special thanks for the support we receive from
 

Aviva 

Crisp Maltings  

Pendulum Promotions 

Bread Source 

Adnams 

UnLtd 

School of Social Entrepreneurs  

Love Norfolk 

Independence Matters  

Wonkyearbakehouse 

Johnny Shirley 

Tom Abbiss Smith 

 

Graphic Design by - Johnny Shirley  

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