Help Lost Cause Build a Brewery

Aim

Help Lost Cause Brewing Co. raise £60k to bring production in-house, create local jobs, and grow Castleford’s craft beer community.

We are Lost Cause Brewing Co., founded in 2024 by us, Vik and Colin Stronge—partners in life and in beer. With nearly 40 combined years in the industry, we figured it was about time to go it alone. When Colin was made redundant in early 2024, it gave us the push we needed—after all, we weren’t quite Lost Causes yet, were we?! So, somewhat naively and very quickly, Lost Cause Brewing Co. was born.

Why We’re Crowdfunding

For the past year, we’ve partnered with incredible breweries to cuckoo and contract brew Colin’s recipes. While we’re proud of the beers we’ve created, contract brewing comes at a cost—it’s expensive, and we don’t have full control over our product. We know we can do more, do better, and truly put our stamp on every pint. That’s why we’re here today.

Our journey took off at full speed. What started as doodle sessions with our son evolved into the branding that defines us today—vivid, playful, and unapologetically bold. Those sketches became our logo, website, and the weird and wonderful designs that make Lost Cause unmistakably ours.

The Brewing Legend Behind the Beer

Colin Stronge, our head brewer, is a name that carries weight in the craft beer world. With over 20 years of brewing experience, he’s left his mark on some of the UK’s most acclaimed breweries—Marble Beer, Black Isle, Buxton Brewery, Northern Monk, and Salt Beer Factory. His beers have been poured at the best bars and festivals around the world, earning him accolades like The Brewers Journal Brewer of the Year and RateBeer (RIP) Best, not to mention a cult following among beer lovers. His passion? Brewing beers that are bold, balanced, and unforgettable—ones you return to time and time again. He blends tradition with innovation, creating brews that we love, and we hope you will too.

The Creative Force

Vik is the heart behind Lost Cause’s visual identity. Having worked with Marble, Black Isle, Northern Monk, and Magic Rock, she brings our brand to life through distinctive storytelling and design. Think playful illustration, vibrant 90s-inspired colours, and imaginative artwork. Every label and keg badge captures the beer’s personality, each featuring a unique "lost cause" monster that embodies the brew inside. Lost Cause isn’t just a brewery—it’s our creative expression. Even our son gets involved, giving his seal of approval on every merch design and label. And, of course, our brewery dogs, Barley and Rye, are always by our side, making sure things run smoothly.

The Future of Lost Cause Brewing Co.

Castleford, our home base, is a town with a rich history and a bright future. With regeneration projects underway and a growing pub and bar scene, we believe Lost Cause can be a key part of the town’s next chapter. By bringing our brewing in-house with a state-of-the-art 10hl brewing kit, we can:

• Grow sustainably with our community: Hiring locally, supporting the local economy, and creating jobs.
• Encourage craft beer tourism: Enhancing our taproom to attract visitors and beer lovers to Wakefield and Castleford.
• Create a community hub: Hosting more events to bring people together over great beer and great times.
• Increase production and variety: Bringing everything in-house will allow us to experiment with new recipes, including gluten-free and no/low-alcohol options.

Why Support Us?

• Uncompromising Quality: Our award-winning brewer, Colin Stronge, ensures every pint is brewed to perfection.
• Community-Driven: We host monthly family-friendly taproom events, uniting people over beer and delicious street food.
• Local Impact: Your support directly contributes to job creation and economic growth in Castleford.

How You Can Help

We’re raising £60,000 to bring our brewery dream to life. Your contributions will directly fund:

• Brewing Equipment: A new brewhouse system, fermentation tanks, and packaging gear.
• Taproom Enhancements: Upgrades to create an even better space for community events and visitors.
• Supporting Local Growth: Hiring more staff to strengthen our team and our town’s economy.

More Than Beer—It’s Belonging

This is bigger than brewing. It’s about creating something lasting in Castleford—a family-run brewery with soul. A place where friends, families, and beer lovers come together to share something special. Your support isn’t just funding a brewery; it’s building a community, one great beer at a time.

Join our Lost Cause. Invest in Beer. Invest in Community.

P.S. Even if you can't pledge, sharing our campaign with your friends, family, or fellow beer lovers helps more than you know. Every share brings us one step closer. Cheers!

This project successfully funded on 1st April 2025