You may remember Matt from when he worked here previously and now he’s back to cover Events whilst Jess is on maternity leave. As ever Matt has thrown himself into the role like a bat outta hell so don’t be afraid to say hey at any events you see his delightful face at.
Full Name: Matthew Lawson
What do you like to be called? Matt
Job Title: Events and Marketing Assistant
How long have you been at Renegade and what were you up to before that?
I have been at Renegade since February 2025 however worked for the brewery back in 2018! Before re-joining I used to manage events and bookings for a large venue in Kings Cross, called Babel Beerhouse.
How has your role/the business progressed since you’ve been here?
I’ve really enjoyed seeing how the Renegade brand has developed since my last time here, and in terms of my role I am really looking forward to supporting the sales team in getting the brand into the hands of beer lovers!
What got you into the beer industry?
My dad is a keen homebrewer (and a rather good one too), and he introduced me to the brewery and there happened to be a role going in the Marketing team and I was lucky enough to get my foot in the door!
What is your favourite Renegade beer past or present? From the core range, Good Old Boy; and for specials it would have to be either Snake Oil or Salted Caramel Maggs’ Mild.
What is your favourite style of beer or favourite non-Renegade beer? I love trying Belgian beers, but if I’m just out and about I’ll always look for a pint of Landlord. Cask until I die!
Last thing you listened to? As I’m writing this The Wicked Soundtrack (2024), though i just got tickets to see the one and only Mr Worldwide so that’s going to be on my speakers from here on out.
Last film/series you watched? I’m watching series 2 of Dungeons & Drag Queens . If you’re looking at getting into D&D i cannot recommend this enough! The last film I attempted to watch was Emilia Perez, I was very disappointed with it and did not finish.
Most recent book you read? The Fury of the Gods, it’s the last book in a Norse Fantasy Trilogy by John Gwynne. Next up is the first Dune book, which should see me through to 2026.
Hobbies or interests? I paint and play Warhammer and it was great to find out there’s a few others at the brewery with similar interests. I collect and listen to vinyls and I’m always on the lookout for gigs to go to.
Best place you’ve travelled to and why does it stick in your memory?
I recently went to Sardinia to see Flamingos, which was a bucket list activity happily ticked off. Where we were near Olbia was just so picturesque and the food was beyond fantastic. It also sticks in my memory as it’s the first holiday I’ve been on where I didn’t get badly sunburnt.
Coffee or tea? Coffee for function, tea for taste.
Favourite food to cook at home? I don’t really enjoy cooking for myself but i love cooking a roast for others.
Favourite food on the Taproom & Kitchen menu? I’m a sucker for a cheeseburger, and no one makes one better than our Head Chef Shaun.
Favourite local restaurant? I’ve only just moved back to Newbury but my favourite place to eat was Rios.
Dogs or cats? Dogs, my family have two Jack Russells who are very good boys.
Funniest/most interesting thing at work so far? The funniest thing has been using the Brewski costume and persuading the brewers to send me up in the scissor lift for some social media content.
Tell us something we probably don’t know about you. I trained as a contemporary dancer at Trinity Laban and did some performances in Europe! I still do the occasional class now.
