In helping start Leith-based Moonwake Beer Co, the brewery’s co-founder Vinny Rosario wanted to create a welcoming space for all to enjoy and, importantly, access. And to do that, he drew on some life experiences to help guide him and the team along the way. Photos: Moonwake Beer Co
A few years back, a friend of mine, a fellow brewer, and I decided to take his Dad, an avid beer fan, out to a few taprooms around London.
His Dad had just recovered from a stroke and was still unsure on his feet/couldn’t walk for long.
We were both excited to take him out on his first outing since recovering, but it didn’t last long. Neither the excitement, nor the outing.
We soon realised almost every taproom we went to had little to no accessibility for people with disabilities, and the few that did had no adequate toilet facilities. I was shocked and saddened.
I also felt bad for never noticing this before. I had not had a lot of interactions when it came to drinking with people with disabilities until this point and had taken for granted my mobility.
When I got the chance to help start Moonwake Beer Co, having a taproom was a key part of the dream. Ideally a mezzanine taproom overlooking the brewery. We were lucky enough to achieve this but it also came with one major snag.
Steps…
Remembering the time walking around frustrated with no accessibility, I didn’t want this pain repeated for anyone else.
So we installed a (very expensive) lift for anyone unable to use the stairs, open to everyone. We didn’t want a situation where someone had to get a key use it, because that’s the thing with accessibility, you never know how much someone is struggling with just a glance.
We soon realised almost every taproom we went to had little to no accessibility for people with disabilities, and the few that did had no adequate toilet facilities. I was shocked and saddened.
I love hearing how people who use the lift enjoy coming to the taproom because they feel part of the experience, and can enjoy the view overlooking the brew-kit. After all who doesn’t love staring at stainless steel?
For me unfortunately it took a personal experience to open my eyes. For too long minorities have had to impact someone personally to see change.
This goes for people from all walks of life, not just physical disabilities. Though once you open your eyes, it is amazing how much there is to see and change.
Granted a lot of this comes with life experience, but we can all learn from each other and pass on what we know.
I have always wanted for Moonwake to be a welcoming place, that you can not only easily access, but feel happy to be there when you do.
We have gathered an eclectic team at Moonwake, with a vast array of backgrounds and experiences.
It has been a genuine joy working with so many different people and everyone is employed on merit. There are always challenges leading a diverse group of people.
Though this adds to the fun. You can learn from their experiences and help shape a team that cares for more than just their own ‘in group’.
It also leads to more ideas when designing beers. For instance, we recently released a saffron rice lager to coincide with Persian New Year.
I have always wanted to brew a rice lager, and working with my colleague in sales of Persian decent, she came up with idea of adding saffron and Basmati rice, aiming to pair it with Persian style food.
A local Persian restaurant launched it for us alongside a specially designed tasting menu which formed part of their Persian New Year celebrations.
I am happy to say it was a grand success. Importantly it also pushed me out of my comfort zone to brew a beer I wouldn’t normally have done. And most of importantly it is now one of my favourite beer to drink.
We want this collaboration, respect and openness throughout what we do at Moonwake. Not just during the working hours or between certain individuals.
From collaborating with Women in Beer and Glasladies to create a beer for IWCBD, right through to how our taproom staff interact with every individual that comes through our door.
This attitude does come from the top however, from both the company and the people in charge. It takes patience and understanding, but mainly it takes just looking at the world from outside your own personal perspective.
Once you notice the array of different people around you, you need to engage with them, be it taproom visitors or brewery assistants.
They all have stories to tell, and deserve our respect. It can be scary going into the unknown, and frustrating when your views on life are challenged.
Though remember, often people face great challenges every day and that many of these go unnoticed.
There are many initiatives out there to help you make a start if you do not know where to begin. Like the ‘Everyone’s Welcome Initiative’ by Melissa Cole, which we implement in our taproom.
It is also worth reaching out to some of the local groups in your area who would love to help.
But it has to start with the people in charge, and be implemented throughout. We have the power to make a difference together. Moreover we all know how great craft beers is, and we should all be working together to strip down any and all barriers we find to it.
We all know how great craft beers is, and we should all be working together to strip down any and all barriers we find to it.
A few years back, I was completely unaware how a couple of steps and a tiny bathroom could curtail somebody’s day out. It made me awkward and it also made me uncomfortable.
I have now learnt it is OK to feel that way, in fact it is even good. Through this discomfort you can grow as a person, and discover new things. Next time I aim to try see the barriers before the impact me personally.
