Home

Barney's Beer at Summerhall

Edinburgh’s
longest
established
non-continuously
operating
brewery

Barney’s Beer Shop

Taking our inspiration from the creativity of the city that surrounds us – and picking up where the original Summerhall Brewery est. 1700s left off – at Barney’s Beer we simply aim to make beers we are proud to share.

Using only the best ingredients and traditional techniques and processes, Barney’s Beer has been supplying Edinburgh’s bars, restaurants and bottleshops for over a decade. From modern takes on IPA, lagers and Scotch Ales to Fruited Sour Beer and Imperial Stouts, our open-minded approach means our ambitions lie in improving and building upon our own skills and craft as opposed to growth at any cost.

In 2022, we were honoured to be announced as Small Brewery of the Year at the Scottish Beer Awards along with our owner / head brewer, Andrew “Barney” Barnett, winning Brewer of the Year.

Brewer of the Year 2022

“Our judges described our winner as a very impressive. A humble brewery produced well-crafted, great tasting beer.”

Scottish Beer Awards Judging Panel, 2022

1705

Robert McClelland, who has strong family ties to the Scottish brewing industry moves to the site and is described in that years census as “gardener at Summerhall”.

1725

Mccellan’s name appears on a petition opposing the 1725 malt tax suggesting that brewing was already established officially at Summerhall.

1733

McClellan goes into liquidation.

1739

Thomas Bryson, who had been working on site for a number of years, officially becomes brewer at Summerhall Brewery. He lives on-site until 1788 with his son, Peter.

1792

Peter Bryson takes over from his father as owner of the brewery.

1815

Ownership of Summerhall Brewery transfers to Robert Fleming, a renowned property dealer.

1851

By this time, the brewery employed 11 men and was becoming a recognisable brand in Edinburgh.

1862

Previous success leads to a limited company – Robin, McMillan & Co Ltd – buying the Summerhall Brewery and investing heavily in it.

1871

By now, there are 120 men employed on the site producing a very popular pale ale which is served across the city.

1889

Summerhall Brewery is sold to Edinburgh United Breweries Ltd for £320,000.

1908

The brewery passes hands again, but this is where the trail runs cold until…

2012

Barney's Beer

Andrew “Barney” Barnett is invited to move into the new Summerhall arts venue and establishes barney’s beer, now Edinburgh’s longest established non-continuously operating brewery.