First and Last come first and second!
North Tyne Valley brewery is celebrating national success after scooping top honours at one of the UK’s most prestigious beer competitions.
Bellingham-based First & Last Brewery has been awarded Gold at the Society of Independent Brewers National Beer Awards for its Spruce Saison in the can category. The win highlights the brewery’s commitment to crafting distinctive, locally inspired beers.
The award-winning saison stands out for its unique ingredients, brewed using foraged spruce tips sourced from Kielder Forest. The result is a beer that captures what the team describe as “a true taste of Northumberland,” combining traditional brewing techniques with the character of the region’s natural landscape.
As if that wasn’t enough, the brewery also secured Silver in the Overall Champion Awards, placing it among the very best independent brewers in the country.
Speaking of the achievement, the team expressed pride not only in the recognition but in the story behind the beer—one rooted firmly in the North East’s environment and independent spirit.
Visit the Brewery Tap in Bellingham
For those keen to try the award-winning Spruce Saison fresh from the source, First & Last Brewery’s taproom in Bellingham offers the perfect opportunity.
Set in the heart of the village, the brewery tap is more than just a place to drink—it’s a welcoming community hub where visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of craft beers, including seasonal specials and small-batch brews. The taproom regularly hosts events, offers a relaxed atmosphere, and provides a chance to meet the people behind the beer.
Whether you’re a local or exploring Northumberland, it’s an ideal stop to experience independent brewing at its finest—now officially recognised on a national stage.