A couple are trying to raise £40,000 to realise their dreams of building a brewery in Peckham.
Anthony and Helena opened their first taproom, Eko Brewery, in Copeland Park five months ago and say they are ready to ‘take things to the next level.’
“We have brewed more than ten beers over the last five years,” Anthony, an engineer by trade, said, “using other breweries’ equipment.”
After travelling to various countries like Japan and the U.S., Anthony said he ‘fell in love’ with the brewing industry and longed to be a part of it.
When they decided to give it a try, their craft beer proved a hit – including with Michelin-starred Ikoyi in Central London, and Jumbi, now their neighbours, in Peckham.
Of the former, Helena said: “Ikoyi took Guinness off their menu to stock our beer instead.”
They even have a collaboration beer stocked at Tesco.
“It solidified that what we’d created was something good.
They explained their beer is made using African brewing techniques and snippets of knowledge they have picked up around the world.
Taking their next big step, the couple set up a crowdfunder to raise £40,000 to build a brewery at their site at Copeland Park.
“At the moment we have to rent equipment to brew our beer and it’s phenomenally expensive,” Helena continued, “We already have a bar, but this is for us to be able to brew our own beer in Peckham.”
The location is especially important to them as Anthony is a ‘Peckham boy’ having grown up in the area.
If successful, this would make them the only black-owned brewery in the UK, that is independently brewing their own beer.
They added that given the closures the hospitality industry has faced in recent years – they are keen to spread some hope back into the community.
For instance, Hawkes – a company that brewed their cider just down the road in Bermondsey – closed before Christmas due to unaffordable costs.
Helena said: “A lot of people say they want to see change – this would show that they really want to see it.
“We want to be Peckham’s brewery – it would mean the world to us.”
They are offering rewards to anyone who donates more than £20 to the cause – including bar tabs and free room hire for parties. “We are very conscious people are struggling at the moment which is why we’re giving back to people who donate.”
“Whatever happens these rewards will be fulfilled,” Anthony assured.
Asked what will happen if they don’t reach the target – the couple explained there is ‘no option’ not to get this open.
“Anything people can give we are grateful for.”