Women in Beer® Awards

The Women in Beer® Awards are back in 2026, with the Awards Ceremony being held on the 20th of October 2026 at Cloudwater Brewery and Taproom in Manchester.

All of our awards are open to anyone who lives and/or works in the UK and identifies as a woman, regardless of background, age, or role within the beer industry. Whether working professionally, independently, or as a volunteer, these awards aim to celebrate and uplift women's contributions across all areas of beer.

By showcasing the women who shape and support the beer industry, we’re helping to rebalance gender representation and drive lasting change.

Our categories

The 2026 Awards’ submissions are now closed. Keep an eye out for the shortlists and join us at the Women in Beer® Awards Ceremony on the 20th of October at Cloudwater Taproom in Manchester.

The finalists in each category are:

Brewer of the Year - Sponsored by SIBA

• Laura Gillott - Thornbridge Brewery

• Kate Hyde - Hand Brew Co.

• Red Kellie - First & Last Brewery

• Georgina Young - St Austell Brewery

Rising Star Award - Sponsored by Simpsons Malt

• Chloe Farrer - Brewpoint

• Aureja Jupp - Pixie Brewing

• Sophie Millard - The Britannia Inn

• Shannon Weir - Bullhouse Brew Co 

Communicator of the Year - Sponsored by Crisp Malt

• Rachel Auty

• Laura Hadland

• Elizabeth Townsend 

• Natalya Watson

Entrepreneur of the Year - Sponsored by Thomas Fawcett & Sons

• Gunikka Ahuja - Bunta Beer

• Sasha Miller - The Cotton Mill

• Gill Sherwin - Best of British Beer

• Sarah Watts - The Pour House

Beer Expert of the Year - Sponsored by Yakima Chief Hops

• Alix Blease - Lallemand Brewing

• Ruth Mitchell - Charles Faram

• Nikki Rowe - Stone Daisy Brewery

• Natalya Watson - WSET

Mentor of the Year - Sponsored by Murphy & Son

• Robyn Bell - Cloudwater Brew

• Tracy Fisher - Brewpoint

• Genevieve Upton - Cara Technology

• Natalya Watson - WSET

Industry Champion of the Year - Sponsored by eKeg

• Ruth Evans - BFBI

• Ruth Mitchell - Charles Faram

• Jules Gray - Hop Hideout

• Catherine Webber - Attic Brew Co and Brum Beer Babs

Beer Creative of the Year - Sponsored by WHC Lab

• Maxine Fursdon - Ideal Day

• Naomi Hayward - Indie Rabble Brew Co and A Hoppy Place

• Nanna Koekoek - Pretty Decent Beer Co

• Kate Stevens - Rooster’s Brewing Co

Hospitality Leader of the Year - Sponsored by BBPA

• Jules Gray - Hop Hideout

• Naomi Hayward - Indie Rabble Brew Co and A Hoppy Place

• Maryann O'Connor - The Green Goddess

Women’s Collective of the Year - Sponsored by CAMRA

• Glasladies Beer Society

• Manchester Crafty Beer Girls

• No Half Measures - Nottingham

• Women on Tap CIC

Women in Beer 2026 - Industry Icon (judge’s choice) - Sponsored by Charles Faram

• Lotte Peplow

• Genevieve Upton

• Lily Waite

• Jaega Wise

• Georgina Young 

Proudly Sponsored by