Lincolnshire-based 8 Sail Brewery has been acquired by Edward Quigley, a taproom regular and fan of the brewery.
Quigley completed on the purchase of the iconic microbrewery, located within the Heckington Windmill heritage site (just east of Sleaford), from founder Tony Pygott, last Friday 6th March in a deal that will see the retention of job, a much-loved community asset for over 15 years and the continued supply of award-winning beers to pubs and venues across the county, and beyond.
“The brewery has gone from strength to strength over the years, and has earned a reputation for good quality beers, ” said founder and outgoing owner, Tony Pygott.
“There is still a strong demand for well crafted British real ales, which the team at 8 Sail Brewery does extremely well. It’s satisfying to know that the future has been secured so that the brewery can continue to supply the discerning drinkers of Lincolnshire and beyond for many years yet. ”
Making the taproom a regular haunt since his move to the village earned it a place in Edward’s heart, and unbeknownst to him at the time, also served as time well spent in preparing him to take the reins. “I am very proud to complete the purchase of the brewery from Pygott. ” says Quigley.
“Like many of the other regulars, my heart sank when I learnt that Tony was looking to sell the business. The thought of losing the taproom, or that someone who doesn’t know the business might come in and undo what Tony and the team created, filled me and many others with dread. I reached out to Tony in February 2025 to chat about the business, and fast-forward just over a year, it’s now up to me to ensure the brewery continues to thrive” .
He continued “I’m under no illusion; it’s a tough time for breweries and pubs across the UK. However, 8 Sail has a dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate team and we’ve shown that we can weather many storms since we launched in 2010. With our range of award-winning beers, I’m confident we can build on what Tony has done and I can’t wait to be a part of the next chapter for 8 Sail Brewery.”
8 Sail Brewery employs several staff from its taproom and production premises in Heckington – Paddy Bauwens (their Head Brewer) has been brewing for 13 years and holds a Diploma in Brewing from the Chartered Institute of Brewing and Distilling, and has been working at the brewery for the last few years: “I have been very fortunate in finding 8 Sail Brewery after moving here with my family in September 2022. I soon realised that the brewery was a fantastic place to develop my career, and somewhere that I could build on Tony’s foundation. ”
“Tony founded the brewery with a passion for two things – good beer and community. These values are clearly what has taken 8 Sail to where it is now. We will certainly strive to continue the legacy that Tony has handed over – an expansive selection of great beers and a taproom venue that the village can be proud of” .
Kate Sydney lives locally and is one of the supporters of the brewery, as well as an active member of the Foss Dyke Brass Band, who have performed several times at 8 Sail Brewery: “It has been fantastic to draw in audiences to listen to what Foss Dyke and brass banding has to offer, and it’s been 8 Sail Brewery that has given us these opportunities. ”
Formerly known as The Friends of Heckington Windmill, the Heckington Windmill Trust is a registered charity from whom 8 Sail Brewery rent their premises.
“Heckington Windmill Trust has enjoyed an excellent relationship with Tony over the years as we have developed the Windmill project, and it has been impressive to see the range of beers, achieving growth and success in conditions which have at times been difficult for small breweries. ” explains Mike Hardy, one of the Trustees of the Trust, and regular patron of the taproom.
“Having the brewery on our site has been an important partnership for us, and we are committed to seeing it continue in the same positive way it has. We send our best wishes to Tony as he retires and we now look forward to working with Ed as the new owner, and wish him well in his new venture!”
Asked what customers old and new should expect from 8 Sail Brewery under his stewardship, Quigley explained that it’s simply a case of leaning into what the brewery already does best: “when I speak to other regulars about the taproom and what makes it special, the response is almost always the same – ‘good beer, good music, good food and community’ ” .
As for Tony, Edward and the team are delighted that he won’t be going too far away as he settles into a well-earned retirement. “I look forward to watching its progress from the other side of the bar, with a pint in hand!” said Pygott.
The taproom is open every day from 1200, and visitors are encouraged to visit the brewery’s social media channels to find out upcoming events and visiting street-food vendors. Tours of the brewery will also soon be available to those keen to learn more about brewing.
