Our Story

All About Hillgate Brewery

We began as three friends with a mission: to brew delicious English-style craft ales and build a place for the community to enjoy them.

As hobby brewers with diverse professional backgrounds, we knew we could join forces and create something incredible in our hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work. In 2019, after years of planning and practicing, Hillgate Brewery opened its doors to the public. We had finally realized our dream.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, we faced challenges like everyone else. However, we were lucky. We switched from pints and bar service to growlers and takeout, and our dedicated fans continued to support us. We couldn’t have weathered the storm without them.

Now, Hillgate is a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. In the spirit of true English pubs, we invite our guests to spend their time as they see fit: socialize with friends, play board games, share a meal, or simply relax with a book. We regularly host local musicians, trivia nights, and other fun events.

We’re proud to offer twelve taps of our own beers year-round, plus a lucky thirteenth featuring rotating guest selections from our amazing friends at local breweries. Two of our taps are vintage hand pumps pouring traditional cask ales — one of which is our always-available, award-winning English bitter. Meanwhile, our kitchen serves a curiously curated menu of lunch and dinner pub favorites like steak pie, Sunday roast, chicken tikka masala, and cheeseburgers.

If you see us at Hillgate, feel free to say hi. You might find us tending bar, tinkering in the brewhouse, or simply relaxing with a pint. We’re always happy to chat.

Cheers!

Alex, Laura, and Andrew