A family-run craft beer bar which first opened its doors in 2023 has celebrated its first full year in business.

The Craftsman was launched in Smith Street last July, run by father and son Paul and Harvey Brown, supported by mum Jacqui and brother Regan.

As well as its impressive range of 16 ever-changing draught beers, the venue also offers a huge range of drinks in its bottle shop.

And following the first 12 months of success, Paul reflected on a "whirlwind" first year.

The Craftsman is run by the Brown family (image by Warwick Photography Studio)

"After opening on 14 July 2023 an awful lot has happened here at The Craftsman," he told Nub News.

"We've established ourselves as a major place to come to in the area if you are into craft beer, with our 16 draught taps and bottle shop.

"We have featured literally hundreds of different craft beers over the last 12 months, and become our supplier's biggest customer!

"But we are about much more than just craft beer.

"We have a full bar, with top quality wines from small local and very passionate suppliers. We also do a very mean range of coffees.

"Lee, our general manager, is a well know barista trainer, we have a top quality coffee machine, and feature roasts from local roastery Monsoon Estates in Stratford."

The Craftsman has become a big hit with locals (image by Warwick Photography Studio)

The Craftsman also offers a wide range of food, with a range of pub favourites like burgers and pizza, a popular Full English Breakfast and its Sunday roasts are due to return in September.

The Smith Street venue - which is also proving popular as co-working space with its £10 daily offer - has also has also branched out into hosting events. 

"We've had a number of tap take-overs over the past year," the team explained.

"That's where a brewer literally takes over our taps and showcases their full range of beers.

"Those are often accompanied by a 'meet the brewer' evening when the brewer gives a talk through and a tasting. Renowned brewers we have featured have included Cloudwater, Left Handed Giant, DEYA, and Beak.

"We have also had a comedy evening and a wine tasting.

"Plus a mad New Years Eve party when we had live music from Jake Rizzo. We and 100 guests saw the new year in in style.

"We've had round table meetings, wreath making classes, hosted numerous parties, christenings and even a wedding reception!"

The Craftsman stocks a huge product range in its bottle shop (image by Warwick Photography Studio)

Looking ahead The Craftsman will be taking an active role in this week's Smith Street Party with its outside beer bar and also a cocktails bar!

The team is also looking to expand into festivals and will feature at Ecofest at the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington on August 31.

"We will be introducing table service soon so that our customers can relax even more," Paul added.

"It's kind of traditional in Britain to go to the bar to order, but we want to get a bit more continental and offer table service if people want it.

"We also hope to expand the counter area, increase our café offering, and build a cocktail bar.

The Craftsman has 16 taps and rotates its beers regularly (image via Warwick Photography Studio)

"There will be more events. More parties. Maybe a quiz night.

"And then there are thoughts of Craftsman two…but that's a long way off yet.

"For now we are working hard to further establish ourselves in Warwick.

"Every day we are learning and improving, and we'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers over the last 12 months. Some of them have come with us from Warwick Real Ale, which was our first foray into craft beer and hospitality back at the beginning of 2023.

"We call them The Originals, and they have been so supportive. Thank you all!"

Visit The Craftsman website here.

The Craftsman will be taking an active role in this week's Smith Street Party (image by James Smith)