Our Story
The Equal Brewkery was founded in 2017 by Bill Russell with the vision to show that people with learning disabilities can be at the heart of a successful business.
Equal Brewkery, a combined bakery and micro-brewery, is a not-for-profit, community interest company created to provide training and support for people with learning disabilities.
A few years ago, Bill suffered a stroke and lost the use of his right arm, the hearing on his right side and some mobility in his right leg. Following an operation to remove a blockage in his carotid artery he began to regain the movement in his arm and leg, but he began to wonder what happened to people who suffered strokes, had brain impairments, or learning difficulties. This was his main motivation in setting up Equal Brewkery. In addition to this he wanted to show that people with learning disabilities can achieve.
We operate from our converted shipping container based at Whitlingham Country Park in Norwich. We make a variety of delicious ales - including a festive one! We also bake a large variety of breads, cakes and pizzas!
Meet the team
Bill
Favourite drink - Brewkery Beer
Favourite bake - Brewkery Bread
Angie
Favourite drink - Red Wine
Favourite bake - Chocolate Brownies
Sally
Favourite drink - Coffee
Favourite bake - All types of bread
Donna
Favourite drink - Strawberry milkshake and Beer
Favourite bake - Carrot Cake
Fairless
Favourite drink - Brewkery Festive Ale
Favourite bake - Brewkery Lemon Drizzle Cake
Ruby
Favourite drink - Coffee
Favourite bake - Maple and Pecan plait
David
Favourite drink - Brewkery Golden Ale
Favourite Bake - Carrot cake
Emma
Favourite drink - Appletiser
Favourite bake - Apple crumble shortbread slice
Colin
Favourite drink - Riggwelter dark ale
Favourite bake - Wholemeal seeded loaf
Matt
Favourite drink - Guinness
Favourite bake - Bagel
Samuel
Favourite drink - Estrella
Favourite bake - Brewkery Lemon Drizzle Cake
Roger
Favourite drink - Ginger beer or a nice cuppa tea
Favourite bake - Pastels de Natalie
Here we are at different events over the last few years including the Royal Norfolk Show, Christmas fairs, Food fairs, fundraisers and the opening of our new home at Whitlingham Country Park!
“After watching Bill's Youtube videos during lockdown, Jacob was able to bake with very little support from us. His confidence has also improved.”
Jacob's mum