It’s a cold and windy Tuesday morning, and we need cheering up. With perfect timing, in walks our friend and supplier Sam Burrows- the sales and distribution Director of Bristol Beer Factory. Steak of the art is passionate about delivering and supporting all local produce, and this brewery is a fine example of that. As our first Steak of the Art was erected in Bristol, we couldn’t ask for more local drink than within the 4-mile radius that we sit in!

Bristol Beer Factory started life in 2004, brewing just a few standard cask conditioned ales in a vibrant part of south Bristol. The company soon realised that there is so much more to brewing, and over 20 variants of beers are currently created throughout the year. What a busy bunch!

The company states that ‘We are not afraid to try anything and we firmly believe that all the great ideas are already within the 4 walls of the brewery – it’s just a matter of extracting them out of the team within.’ Sounds like tasty work.

We decided to have a well-earned coffee break with the man of the hour, and chat about all things business and boozy. Our favourite! 

Sam, thanks for popping in. How long have you been involved with Bristol Beer Factory for?

No problem, I’m only coming in for a free cup of your coffee! I’ve been with BBF for 6 years now. Time flies.

Charming! Nice work, so talk us through a typical day for you.

I get into the brewery (Southville, Bristol) around 7am. We process all the distribution routes for that day, then I’m off to the gym for some ‘me’ time where I get my best thinking done. After that I put the thinking into practice and work on all the administration for an hour or so, then I spend the rest of the day out on the road seeing our customers like you guys, or training my staff. I like to get back at the brewery to sign everything off and make sure the day’s objectives have been completed around 4pm. Then it’s home time for a pint! 

What’s the best thing about your job?

The trade, the people, the customers. I mean, I’m surrounded by beer and people all day – I’m pretty sure there’s no better industry to work in than this! 

Sounds pretty perfect. So what’s your favourite beer then?

Bristol Beer Factory’s Milk stout.

We stock that one! Delicious. So how did we become partners?

Steve Bowen (Owner and founder of SOTA) heard about us when he was learning about the area and how he could make his restaurant as local-based as possible. He popped into the Brewery for a chat, we had another coffee, and the rest is history – it was love at first site!

How romantic. Why did you want to work with us?

SOTA is a completely fresh and original concept that sounded exciting. It was something that this city desperately needed.

Right, we need an ego boost, tell us what’s best about working with our beautiful faces?!

I’m proud to be involved with such an evolving entrepreneurial business like yourselves. It’s the perfect brand fit and customer demographic that we are so passionate about…and your steak isn’t so bad either!

Ok so we ask everyone this. Be warned, the kitchen will be judging you, Sam! How do you like your steak?

Dependant on the cut, but I like Med-rare / rare. Have I passed?

That sounds like a textbook perfect answer. You’ve been reading our recommendations manual haven’t you?! We’ll let you get on now, but thanks for your time today! See you soon.

No worries. I’m going to need one more coffee before I go.

The cheek of it! You just can’t get the staff…See more about our friends and suppliers of all things Beery and fabulous here: www.bristolbeerfactory.co.uk.