Our first profile is on the award winning Griffin Brewery of Fuller, Smith and Turner, Chiswick, London, England. A brewery with a long history, many fine beers and numerous awards.

Considered London's oldest brewery, The Griffin Brewery has been producing ales at its location near the banks of the river Thames since 1654.

In 1845, John Bird Fuller inherited the small brewery from his father and decided to expand the business by bringing in Henry Smith and brewmaster John Turner as partners. The company of Fuller, Smith and Turner was born.

Five generations later, family members of the three founding families continue to oversee the day to day operations of what is now a considerably larger brewery.

Over the last 30 years, Fuller's has gone from being a small, labor intensive craft brewery to a modern production facility that still produces excellent traditional ales in a traditional atmosphere.

Reg Drury, until recently the brewing director for Fuller's is given much of the credit for transforming the brewery and its beers. Drury's efforts have amassed an impressive collection of brewing awards.

In 1998 during the Great British Beer Festival, Fuller's 1845 a beer created by Drury to commemorate Fuller's 150th anniversary won the CAMRA award for the best bottled beer.

Recently, CAMRA gave Mr. Drury a special achievement award for being the only brewer in CAMRA history to produce three champion beers.

The original ESB (Extra Special Bitter),first brewed in 1971, and since copied by many brewers won Champion Beer award in 1978, 1981 and 1985 and was voted Best Strong Ale in 1978, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1991.

London Pride won CAMRA's champion beer award in 1979 and Chiswick Bitter matched this feat in 1989.

Andy's regularly carries Fuller's highly acclaimed, bottle conditioned strong ale, 1845 Celebration Ale in 18.6 ounce bottles. Stop in today and pick up a few bottles!