You’ll recognise SJ as the face of Renegade Brewery – she’s basically a local legend at this point. A true force of nature, she’s not just the one pulling pints and making everyone feel at home – she’s the heart and soul of our Taproom and the absolute powerhouse behind our front-of-house team. If you’ve ever visited us, chances are she’s made you laugh, poured you something outstanding, and convinced you to try something new (and loved it, obviously).
She’s also our unofficial (but let’s be honest, undeniable) social media queen – always game for a TikTok, reel, or whatever new trend is doing the rounds, usually with a pint in hand and a cheeky grin. But behind the fun, she’s seriously good at what she does – building customer loyalty, running a tight ship, and making Renegade feel more like a community than just a brewery. Find out more about our Taproom & Kitchen General Manager…
Full Name: Sarah-Jane McFarlane
What do you like to be called? SJ
Job Title: Taproom & Kitchen General Manager
How long have you been at Renegade and what were you up to before that?
I have been here for 5 years and 9 months! It will be my 6 year anniversary in July, time flies when you’re having fun!
Before I worked here, I was living and working in south east London, where I ran student bars for The University of Greenwich.
How has your role/the business progressed since you’ve been here?
I joined in 2019 as the assistant manager of The Taproom, after 18 months I was promoted to assistant general manager, then became GM 6 months later.
The business and my role have been through a lot of change since I started. When I joined, The Taproom was still a relatively new venue, it’s been great to be part of it growing and thriving year by year.
What is your favourite Renegade Beer past or present?
Currently it has to be our new NEIPA Hazy Rider, in the past I have enjoyed Queensbury Jack, Snake Oil & Vienna Lager from when I first started.
What is your favourite style of beer or favourite non-Renegade beer?
I’m a sucker for a NEIPA or a fruity pale. I’m also partial to a nice cold cider on a hot day.
Most recent book you read?
The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden, some good twists in it, made for a gripping read on my last holiday.
Last thing you listened to?
Caramel by Sleep Token on my way into to work this morning.
Last film/series you watched?
Last night I watched a film called Metal Heads, it was…. Ok. I binged the most recent series of Formula 1 drive to survive on my days off last week.
Hobbies or interests?
Most people here know that I love spending my free time going on holiday, go to concerts or getting tattoos! In the summer, for me there is nothing better than having a pint in hand and singing out of tune to whoever is on stage.
Best place you’ve travelled to and why does it stick in your memory?
This is a tough one between Athens & Rome. Both places where amazing, full of history, culture and great food!
Coffee or tea?
Both! Coffee during the working day or a decaf tea at home.
Favourite food to cook at home?
Got to be a roast! Mine is the best, but everyone says that about their own roasts don’t they..
Favourite food on the Taproom & Kitchen menu?
Has always and will always be the buffalo wings!
Favourite local restaurant?
Chegos! Cheese and Wine, does it get better than that?
Funniest/most interesting thing at work so far?
Probably has to be recording all of the tik tok and Instagram videos, they are always a good laugh and you get to be a bit silly! The best ones probably being the brewski one, where I covered myself in a can of it and the brewery tour one, lying on the grated gantry was rather uncomfortable, but made for some great content!
Tell us something we probably don’t know about you.
I went to uni to study to be a nurse but decided it wasn’t for me after nearly completing my training and have been in hospitality ever since. I am also a massive Westlife fan.
What got you into the beer industry?
Starting work here, I’m now an avid beer fan!
Dogs or cats?
Cats! I have two, Penelope and Pablo!
