Lerwick Brewery is toasting a remarkable week after being recognised by two prestigious industry organisations, cementing its status as a leading light in Scotland’s food, drink, and tourism sectors.
The Shetland-based brewery has been awarded a 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award, ranking it among the top 10% of tourist attractions worldwide.
The accolade, based on consistently outstanding visitor reviews, comes just as the brewery announces a triple shortlisting at the prestigious Scottish Beer Awards 2025.
The UK’s most northerly has also been shortlisted in three highly competitive categories: Best Porter or Stout, Best Pale Ale, and Best Session Beer. This places the independent island brewery among the elite of Scotland’s vibrant brewing industry, with the awards ceremony set for October 8 at The Corn Exchange in Edinburgh.
The dual recognition highlights the brewery’s excellence in both creating award-winning craft beers and delivering an immersive visitor experience. The TripAdvisor award, supported by a 4.9-star rating, praises the brewery’s engaging tours, knowledgeable staff, and its unique insight into Shetland’s brewing heritage.
Managing Director Graham Mercer expressed his pride at the double achievement: “This is a phenomenal validation of our team’s hard work on every front.
“To receive the TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for the experience we provide to guests, and then to be shortlisted for three national brewing awards for the quality of our beer all in one week is incredible.
“It is a pleasing recognition of our commitment to excellence, whether you’re visiting us in Shetland or enjoying our beers at home. Shetland has a thriving craft beer scene, and we’re proud to be flying the flag for the islands on both a tourist and a national stage.”
A celebration of Shetland’s craft beer scene
In making the award, TripAdvisor said it was testament to the brewery’s dedication to quality, hospitality, and immersive experiences. Visitors praised the knowledgeable staff, delicious beer selections, and the unique insight into Shetland’s brewing heritage.
One commended the “very welcoming and insightful tour of the facilities”, adding: “I was able to ask questions as we went along and felt I had learnt something about the beer-making process and the local area.”
Another said: “Charming local brewery – order a flight to sample the beers! Friendly team who are as passionate about Lerwick as they are about beer.”
A strategic boost for local and wider recognition
The brewery plans to leverage these accolades to strengthen its presence, both locally and beyond. With Shetland’s tourism sector booming – visitor spending reached £35.8 million in 2022, up from £16.2 million in 2013 – it is ideally positioned to attract more beer enthusiasts and travellers, said Mercer.
Mercer added: “This recognition, by two major industry institutions, isn’t just about us – it’s a win for Shetland’s growing reputation as a destination for unique, high-quality experiences.
“Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, we want everyone to know that Lerwick Brewery is a place where great beer and great stories come together.”
What’s next for Lerwick Brewery?
The brewery has ambitious plans, including expanding its distribution with a focus on securing nationwide listings, and enhancing its online shop to make Shetland’s craft beers more accessible across the UK.
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It recently achieved SALSA accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to producing safe, legal, and high-quality beer. The process involved a rigorous independent audit against the tailored ‘SALSA Plus Beer’ standard.
To earn this certification, the brewery had to prove its robust food safety management system was effectively implemented, covering everything from hygiene practices and HACCP procedures to staff training and allergen controls.
It is also collaborating with local events, including as the Rising North music festival, where it is the official beer provider.
