Croydon's first brewery in more than 50 years has been nominated for a Croydon Champions award after just a year in business.

Mark Russell, 30, of South Croydon, and Simon Dale, 31, of East Grinstead, set up the Cronx Brewery in New Addington last July.

The pair have enjoyed an eventful first year. Their beers are already sold at Crystal Palace FC for home games and even Prince Charles had a sip when he visited Croydon last year.

There will be a dedicated Cronx bar at Selhurst Park next season meaning they will be the only micro-brewery in the Premier League.

The brewing duo are now in the process of expanding their bottle production after a successful crowd-funding campaign with We Are the Million that saw them raise more than £1,500.

Crystal Palace co-chairman Stephen Browett said the club have been pleased to support the brewery, which also won the gold medal at the club’s beer festival this year.

He said: "At Crystal Palace FC our motto is "South London and Proud" so we have been particularly pleased to support Croydon’s first new brewery for 50 years.

"Cronx beer has been extremely popular at Selhurst Park where it sells it out at every match. We’ll be serving more of their beer than ever now that we have reached the Premier League."

Councillor Tony Pearson said the business has also had a positive impact in the New Addington area.

Coun Pearson added: "It has been a remarkable rise for them. At a time when a lot of people are talking down the area, they are a great success story."

Mark Russell said it has been a fantastic first year at the helm and there have been many highlights along the way.

He said: "The first year has exceeded all expectations and predictions, although there is always room for expansion and improvement. We have a few ideas up our sleeve for the future."

The brewers are releasing a new birthday beer within the next fortnight to celebrate their first year in business.

Follow @TheCronxBrewery on twitter for their updates.

 

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