Meet the Team

Time to get to know another of Team Abbeydale a little better! This time we’re chatting with our designer James, who began working with us back in 2016, when he was responsible for creating the distinctive look behind the branding for our Heathen. Since then, he’s become our in-house designer, and award-winning at that! Over to James to find out more…

First up, the basics! What’s your name and where do you come from?

Hi, my name is James and I’m from Leeds. I was born there and after living in London for a while, I now live just outside the city again in the countryside with my family.

What is your role at Abbeydale Brewery?

I’m very lucky to be the designer for this great brewery – constantly creating images for cans, pump clips and keg badges as well as merch, packaging and the promotional material we use to reach new venues and customers.

What’s your favourite beer and why?

My go-to beer is was the late, great Anchor Steam from San Francisco.

I’m a big fan of American lagers, cask stouts and Belgian ales and I like a well-made NEIPA.

It’ll be no surprise that I think we make some outstanding beers here and some of my favourites would be Funk Dungeon’s Ryes from the Grave, Pilgrim Pumpkin Spiced Ale and Restoration Baltic Porter.

What’s your favourite thing about working here?

I really enjoy working as part of the team that we have here – they are friendly, knowledgeable, hardworking people who are great at what they do.

That we produce a good number of beers throughout the year means that I’m always busy creating work for either a beer or another project. It’s an intense but incredibly rewarding job that allows us to constantly create something new that communicates with regular or prospective customers. It’s a great feeling seeing the beers out there, being enjoyed all over the country and elsewhere.

Do you have a favourite pub?

The Antelope in Surbiton, South West London. Owned by the fantastic Big Smoke Brewery, they have developed a space that is welcoming, relaxing and hard not to fall in love with – and their bar is full of Big Smoke brews and quality keg and cask guests on regular rotation alongside choice ciders and great food.

Another notable mention would be the Amity Brew. Co’s terrace in Farsley, Leeds which is great for the afternoon sun. Failing that – you can’t beat a cold beer on a sunny beach!

Where did you have your first (legal!) pint?

Possibly at Headingley Stadium on the rugby side watching Leeds Rhinos. It was probably a disappointing pint of Carlsberg in a plastic cup. 

Favourite snack to enjoy alongside a beer? OR – Fries: Bacon or Scampi?

Something like a tapas plate really, maybe Patatas Bravas or Padron Peppers. And to answer the important question; Scampi.

When you’re not creating artwork for our beers, what do you get up to?

I also do varied freelance illustration work which helps me keep creative and I love to visit new places, learn languages and spend time outdoors – I’ve spent most of my life trying to learn to surf. Mainly though, I look forward to spending time with my wife and little boy somewhere fun.

Who’s your hero?

My sporting hero is an Australian rugby league player named Andrew Johns. 

Considered to be a modern great – as a kid he made me see my sport in a totally different way. He also lived life however the hell he wanted and has had fun doing so. The saying goes ‘never meet your heroes’ but he was incredibly humble and forthcoming when I had the chance to spend some time with him in Sydney.

And finally… If you were a cartoon character, who would it be?

Tough one. Parents of kids of a certain age may be able to relate here, but I’d like to see myself as Bandit from the fantastic Aussie kids cartoon Bluey – A laid back dad who likes to mess around and have fun with their family but is still mindful enough to know that time’s precious and you’ve got to give your children (and partner) someone to turn-to, look up to and rely upon. That show really hits hard sometimes.