Together with co-founder Andrew Mellor, Andy Bridge launched ABYSS Brewing in Lewes back in 2016. With the opening of their taproom three years ago, the brewery has gone from strength to strength and continues to grow.
We spoke to Andy about the ABYSS pop-up bar in Newhaven which was running at The Sidings this summer, alongside a season of cultural events at the venue supported by Newhaven Enterprise Zone, which helped to create a buzz in the area.
Andy is planning to bring the ABYSS pop-up back to Newhaven in spring 2025 and told us about his ambitions for the company and what he loves about our town.
Tell us about ABYSS Brewing and what you do.
We started brewing in my friend Andrew’s pub, the Pelham Arms in Lewes, about nine years ago, making 100 pints a week. That’s where ABYSS began. The name reflects eastern philosophy—stepping into darkness to find light—much like our journey.
During lockdown, we expanded with a bigger brewery and taproom in Lewes, supported by around 500 locals through crowdfunding. It’s been a hit, especially in summer, with 12 taps serving all our beers brewed on site. We now have a national audience, particularly in Brighton and London.
Newhaven has always appealed to us, so we jumped at the chance to set up at The Sidings this summer. We built a pop-up bar with eight taps, natural wines, low and no alcohol beers, and cocktails on the riverside deck, adding to the buzz of local events like BN9 and the Look Again Festival.
How is business going?
Business is good—we’ve run out of beer, which is a nice problem to have! We’re ordering new equipment to boost capacity and speed up production. Bigger stainless-steel tanks will arrive soon, which is exciting. We also got a canning machine this year, allowing us to produce more cans, which are now being distributed across the UK and into Europe. It’s steady, organic growth, and we’re busy in a good way.
Apart from the pop-up at The Sidings and the brewery in Lewes, where can people buy your beers?
We have permanent lines in the centre of Brighton at the Prince Albert, the Evening Star and The Brick in Preston Street and we work with regulars like The Greys and the Hope and Ruin. In Lewes there are two taps at the Pelham Arms, which is a lovely place to visit. We’re also in a lot of good craft bars across the country.
Are there any exciting plans at ABYSS that you can share with us?
We recently celebrated our Taproom’s third anniversary. We built it during lockdown, and it became a busy spot once restrictions lifted. We’ve got a new food truck at the Lewes brewery serving fish tacos.
We’re looking to open a site in Brighton and we’ll definitely be back in Newhaven next spring. We want to improve the site and make it more accessible and easier to find.
What made you decide to set up a brewery?
We just love beer! Andy and I met at art school. I grew up on cask ale in the northeast, but craft beer’s hoppy, hazy taste was a game-changer. Our director handles the artwork and branding, adding another creative layer. Brewing isn’t just a job—we’re engaging with our audience through the taproom, festivals, exports, and collaborations with other breweries. It’s a varied, friendly, and exciting industry.
What has been the most challenging moment in your career?
Finishing the taproom during lockdown was tough—materials, labour, and tradesmen were scarce and prices tripled. We’ve always dealt with unusual times. When Covid hit, Andy and I were at a small brewery near Uckfield, deciding our next steps. We began canning and became busier than ever. Meeting customers in Lewes while collecting beer was galvanising; their feedback was invaluable. Usually, you don’t meet your customers—you just deliver to pubs. Building the taproom felt like the right move and it’s been a success.
You’ve been running a pop-up bar at The Sidings in Newhaven this summer. How has it been going?
We were excited to join the Look Again Festival, with its beautiful murals around Newhaven bringing a positive vibe to the town. Our riverside bar became a focal point for festival events, and it’s been growing ever since. Regulars from Lewes have enjoyed having a local spot, with many happy they no longer need to travel. There’s a lot to be positive about in Newhaven right now. We had a big closing party on 28th September with a screen-printing workshop, live band, and DJs—our final celebration before shutting down for winter.
We spotted in The Drinks Business you were transporting beer to Newhaven by river and cargo bike. Can you tell us more about how this went?
We transported a couple of steel kegs, around 100 kilos, down the river with the Lewes gig club while racing Matt, who cycled with a cargo bike. He just beat us—it was great fun! If we set up something permanent in Newhaven, it could become a regular method of transport.
We also run a regular kayaking club, which I highly recommend. Paddling up the river Ouse with the tide, it’s peaceful, and you often spot herons on the riverbank—it’s truly magical.
What trends do you think will be the next big thing in beer?
Zero-alcohol beers are getting better every year. We’re excited to release our first zero hazy pale soon, perfect for those looking for a break after Christmas. It’s great to enjoy a proper poured pint with all the craft and flavour, but without the alcohol.
It feels like there’s a buzz in Newhaven. What kind of events and businesses would you like to see more of in the town?
Mamoosh Riverside opened at the Marine Workshops this summer, near to our pop-up bar. Their pitta breads are legendary and the deli has been really busy. There’s a clear appetite for quality offers from small local producers like ourselves. We’re really proud of our wide range of beer styles all brewed in our brewery tap in Lewes. People enjoy getting behind independent local businesses – we’ve had a strong reception.
How would you describe Newhaven? Tell us what you like about the town.
I grew up in a harbour town, and I love the sense of transience that the ferry brings—it’s an exciting gateway to Europe. Newhaven has loads of potential, even though visitors don’t often stop.
Positive changes are happening, like Hospitable Environment’s work at the Hillcrest Centre and Harvey’s reopening the Bridge Inn, which looks great.
What would you like Newhaven’s future to look like in 10 years’ time?
While town planning isn’t my area, improving access to the high street, infrastructure, traffic reduction, and better signage could all help. There’s a strong desire for change, with many people doing exciting independent projects like theatre groups and events. Newhaven is attracting young families moving from pricier places like Brighton, showing the town’s potential for growth.
What would you like Newhaven Enterprise Zone to spend its funding on in the town?
Rate relief from the Newhaven Enterprise Zone has been very helpful. Cultural events have been great, and attracting bigger names would be fantastic—why not bring big acts to Newhaven? At The Sidings, we’re focused on improving infrastructure, access, and planning. A permanent stage would make regular performances easier, and better lighting, bike parking, and clearer signage would enhance safety and accessibility, especially at night. The council has been very supportive which is great.
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