FEATURE
Flying the flag for Teesside - Liam gives a sneak preview of Salt Steel ’ s Under The Bridge ( UTB ) lager at Teesside International Airport .
Come fly with me !
2021 has been a year to remember for Liam Senior and Salt Steel Brewery
WORDS : JULIE BURNISTON PICTURE : DAZ MACK
It ’ s been , in his own words , a “ blinding ” 2021 for the Salt Steel Brewing Company ’ s passionate managing director Liam Senior . But as the year rolled to an end , things were just beginning to hot up for the honorary Smoggie , his micro-brewing company and his quirkily named Strip Tees IPA .
“ Strip Tees started coming into its own during lockdown , but just recently the demand for it has gone crazy ,” said Liam .
“ Until the last few months of 2021 , the highlight of my year was definitely buying my dad a pint of Strip Tees at the New Inn , in Yarm . It was a proud moment .”
In October , the Salt Steel Brewing Company made the final three in the Most Original Business category at the Best New Tees Business Awards , with Liam attending the glittering ceremony in November . Around the same time , the company was proud to announce that it had scored a “ huge ” contract with Teesside International airport .
Anyone travelling from Teesside International will now be able to purchase a pint of Strip Tees in the Transporter Bar and Kitchen or the Goosepool pub , while the same brew in pump form will be going into both the VIP lounge and the Landside Cafe .
“ It ’ s music to my ears that the airport will be selling not only Strip Tees but other local beers and spirts , plus coffee by Rountons ,” says Liam .
“ The airport contract is really huge for Salt Steel as I ’ m sure it is for the other chosen local businesses , and we ’ re anticipating really great things when it gets to March and the holiday boom time .”
As for the Best News Tees Business Awards , while Salt Steel Brewing Company didn ’ t walk away with the trophy this time , Liam was “ chuffed ” to make the final three .
“ It almost didn ’ t matter , because even making the shortlist meant that our hard work had been recognised – it was a real accolade ,” he said .
It ’ s been a baptism of fire from the beginning for Liam , but these last few months have really given him the inspiration to get out there and push the product to the next level .
In fact , Liam has already begun phase two of his world domination plans !
Alongside partner and events director Kris Marsay , Liam has formed a sister company to the Salt Steel Brewing Company – Salt Steel Events .
“ We provide pop-up bars which provide Strip Tees in cans and on draught , and as we add to our range of drinks we will offer those as well ,” explains Liam .
“ We ’ ve already done some great parties and events for the likes of 27 Productions ,
Durata and the Cornerstone Group .
“ Kris will continue to grow the events side of things , with the long-term goal of having our own permanent Salt Steel Bar .” As well as being thankful for his good fortune this year , Liam prides Salt Steel on being eco-friendly .
The company was recently assessed as being carbon neutral .
“ An agency calculated our brewing processes and measured our carbon footprint ,” he explains .
“ They then helped us build a carbon reduction plan and we offset our emissions by planting trees each month .
“ We ’ ve now been certified carbon neutral and have our accreditation , which is a great feeling .”
If 2021 has been a great year , Salt Steel goes into the new year with some exciting plans .
“ We ’ re going all guns blazing ,” laughs Liam .
“ As well as rolling out Strip Tees further , we will be pushing our long-anticipated lager called Under The Bridge ( UTB ), plus our porter and launching our very first gin , called Gininho .”
Here ’ s to a successful new year !
saltsteelbrewing . com
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