A MAN who gave up his job to set up a brewery from his kitchen has seen his ales recognised in the Good Beer Guide.

Hope Brewery in Stanford-le-Hope is one of just two new breweries in Essex to make it into the 2015 edition of the guide.

And Phil Evans, 46, who only started brewing his popular beers commercially one-year-ago, has been selling casks of his 10 regular ales to beer festivals and local pubs, such as the Rising Sun in Stanford-le-Hope since.

Now demand is outstripping supply.

This has prompted Phil, of Corringham Road, to look at expanding, with plans in motion to increase production - and maybe even move into a dedicated premises.

“We started trading in October,” Phil said. “We just thought we would see how it went commercially and I got registered with the council to brew in the kitchen.

“And I love it. I get up at 6am and love going to work - even though i’m not actually going anywhere.”

Until May last year, the retired fire-fighter was a driving instructor - but he packed that in and is hopeful the business plan he’s developed will enable him to brew his popular beers for a living.

Phil’s beers, his favourite of which is Devil’s Delight, were tried at various festivals by members of the Campaign For Real Ale, who compile the Good Beer Guide.

It was that which led to the brewery’s inclusion in this year’s edition.

He said: “I’m waiting for the copy to come out, so i’ve not seen it yet, but they rang to say we were going to be in it.”

Phil has been brewing ales for 25 years and makes all his own equipment. He now supplies pubs in Grays, Stanford-le-Hope, Stock, Chelmsford and Leigh, with new and repeat orders coming in all the time.

He added: “It’s been really well received. I always thought my beers were good, but it’s nice that punters and CAMRA agree.”