10 YEARS BREWING IN GREAT BADDOW

It started in a small blue shed at the bottom of a family garden.

Back in 2014, Hans Oelofse began experimenting with home brewing. What started as a bit of curiosity soon became something of an obsession - evenings and weekends disappeared into testing recipes, learning the science behind brewing and, most importantly, making sure there were plenty of willing volunteers to help sample the results. That little blue shed soon became affectionately known as The BlueShack, and BlueShack Beers began to build a loyal local following.

Before long, people weren’t just asking for another pint. They were asking, “Where can we buy it?” And that was when things started getting serious. 

Chelmsford Brewing company how it started
Things started getting serious

What began as a home-brewing hobby grew into Chelmsford Brewing Company, and in 2017 we took the leap into professional brewing at Brewery Fields in Great Baddow, helping to bring commercial brewing back to the village. Before long, people weren’t just asking for another pint. They were asking, “Where can we buy it?” And that was when things started getting serious.  Since then, quite a lot has happened. We’ve brewed a fair few pints, emptied a fair few barrels and probably spent far too much time discussing hops.

We’ve also grown to include our Tap Room in Great Baddow and the Voodoo Keller Bar beneath New Street in Chelmsford, while remaining proudly independent and very much part of the local community.

And now, somehow, Chelmsford Brewing Company is celebrating 10 years. 

Chelmsford Brewing company building
2016 - 2026 10 Years On

To mark the occasion, our 10th Anniversary celebrations begin on Thursday 1st October 2026, with four days of beer, music, celebrations and undoubtedly a few stories about how all of this started in a blue shed.

Ten years on, we’re still doing what we set out to do: brewing great beer, supporting our local community and carrying forward Great Baddow’s brewing heritage.
The equipment might be slightly bigger these days. The love of brewing hasn’t changed.

Here’s to the first 10 years - and to plenty more pints to come. Cheers and more importantly thank you to all our customers

Thanks again
Hans & the Chelmsford Brewery Team

Hans Oelofse Brewery Director

Hans Oelofse - Executive head brewer 
Rob Heywood- Head brewer
Mike James - Consultant
Samantha Anderson - Sales manager
Ben Ruddy - Logistics manager
Kirsten Ellis - Taproom manager

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Opening Hours

Thu 4-9pm
Fri 4-11pm
Fridays are food nights 6-9pm, every week
Sat 1-9pm
*Extended hours for beer festivals

2 Brewery Fields, Church Street, Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7LE

01245 914838

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