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Sambrook's, launched in 2008, has attempted - with some success - to fill part of the large hole left in south London by the closure of Young's of Wandsworth in 2006. Duncan Sambrook had worked in the City of London as an accountant and his role included helping new businesses to get investment. He had the necessary financial skills to launch a brewery and he then went on a crash course at the Brewers' Laboratory (Brewlab) in Sunderland to learn how to make beer.
Before he started brewing he had the good fortune to meet David Welsh, the founder of Ringwood Brewery in Hampshire. David had been bought out by Marston's but he was keen to stay in brewing. He told Duncan he would invest in Sambrook's but only if it produced four times as much beer as Duncan planned. David knew from experience the problems a brewery could face if demand outstripped supply.
The venture became a serious business. More investors were found and £350,000 was raised to buy a custom-built, 20-barrel brewery kit made in Canada. The brewery now has a total of 25 shareholders.
Former studios were found and gutted in Battersea. Following trial brews, Sambrook's opened for business in November 2008. The first draught beers were Wandle Ale (3.8%) and Junction Ale (4.5%). The first is named after the river that gave its name to Wandsworth while Junction salutes Clapham Junction railway station.
David Welsh was proved right. Sales of the beer took off and Sambrook's is now supplying 200 pubs and producing 100 barrels a week. Fortunately, there's plenty of room for expansion in the spacious buildings if additional vessels are need.
Duncan and his team - including head brewer Udo Van Deventer, a South African who came to London via the New Zealand wine business - have launched their third beer, Powerhouse Porter, named with a deep bow in the direction of Battersea Power Station.
Sambrook’s, Powerhouse Porter (England) 
Brewed with Maris Otter pale malt with the addition of brown and chocolate malts and a touch of wheat. The hops are Boadicea, Challenger, Fuggles and Goldings. Duncan and Udo have researched the history and recipes for porter, first brewed in London early in the 18th century, but they describe Powerhouse as “a modern beer brewed to an old style.”
The beer is available in both cask and bottle-conditioned format. It has a deep ruby/black colour with a good head of foam, followed by an intense aroma of creamy malt, bitter chocolate and tangy hops resins. The beer is rich and creamy in the mouth with continuing hints of chocolate and bitter hops. The finish is long, quenching and beautifully balanced between malt, chocolate and hops.
Malt: high. Fruit: moderate. Hops: high.
4.8% ABV, 50cl, £2.25 - £2.50, Ales by Mail, brewery website.  |  |
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