Kelham Island Brewery, Sheffield

Kelham Island Brewery, established in 1990, was the first independent brewery in Sheffield. The brewery was initially set up in the Beer Garden of the Fat Cat pub on Alma Street, using equipment from the recently closed Oxford Brewery, which allowed for full mash brewing of approximately 10 brewers' barrels per week. As demand for its beer grew, Kelham Island Brewery relocated to a new, purpose-built facility close to the original brewhouse. This move, completed in March 1999, significantly increased the brewery’s capacity fivefold to 50 brewers' barrels. The original brewhouse was then transformed into a visitor center.

Founded by Dave Wickett, the owner of the Fat Cat pub, Kelham Island Brewery quickly became a staple of Sheffield's brewing scene. Its beer "Pale Rider" won the prestigious "Champion Beer of Britain" award at the 2004 Great British Beer Festival, organized by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). In addition to its operations in Sheffield, the brewery also owns a British-styled pub called the Old Toad in Rochester, New York, USA.

The brewery is located adjacent to the Kelham Island Industrial Museum, adding to the historic charm of the area. In September 2022, Kelham Island Brewery faced potential closure but was saved by a group of investors. This rescue effort has helped preserve a significant part of Sheffield’s brewing heritage.