Gun Brewery & Tap Room
Architecture, Master planning, Landscaping & Interior Architecture & Design
Craft, Landscape & Ambition: A New Chapter for Gun Brewery at Hawthbush Farm
Nestled deep within the Sussex Weald, Hawthbush Farm is a place shaped by landscape, history and craft. Set across 140 acres of organic mixed farmland and framed by the rolling South Downs, it is both beautiful and quietly industrious—a working environment rooted in nature and community.
It is here, in this remarkable setting, that Gun Brewery began brewing in 2015. In less than a decade, it has earned a reputation for exceptional beer, sustainable principles and bold, creative thinking. As demand grew—and a loyal following expanded—the brewery made an exciting decision: to create a new production space, cold store and tap room to support its continued evolution.
REAFE STUDIO is proud to have helped bring this vision to life.
The expansion represents a defining moment in Gun Brewery’s journey. This wasn’t simply about increasing volume; it was about shaping a long-term home for craft, community and innovation—a place with the capacity to grow without losing the authenticity and rural character that defines the brand.
The result is a purpose-built facility that balances industrial efficiency with architectural sensitivity, set seamlessly within the landscape of Hawthbush Farm.
Designing with the Land, Not Against It
From the outset, our approach was landscape-led. Hawthbush Farm has its own rhythm and architectural language, and any new intervention needed to feel grounded, honest and characterful.
Key design principles guided the project:
Low visual impact within the rolling Wealden terrain
Material honesty inspired by agricultural buildings
Efficient movement between brewing, storage and logistics
Defined zoning between production, public and private areas
Welcoming access for visitors, staff and suppliers
Rather than create a statement building, the architecture sits confidently and quietly—taking cues from barns, grain stores and the practical beauty of working farm structures.
A Place to Make, Taste & Gather
The new tap room has transformed the brewery experience, offering a warm and social space where visitors can enjoy the beer in its truest context—just metres from where it’s made. The interior architecture celebrates:
Tactile, honest materials
Clear views into the brewing process
A relaxed, communal atmosphere
A direct connection to the surrounding landscape
It is a space that reflects the brewery’s ethos: uncomplicated, characterful and rooted in craft.
A Collaborative, Craft-Led Journey
Working closely with the Gun Brewery team, REAFE STUDIO led a multi-layered process that spanned:
Concept Development
Masterplanning
Landscaping
Architectural Interventions
Production Space Design & Planning
Interior Architecture & Design
The result is a project that scales up production while preserving soul—uniting agriculture, industry and hospitality in a single, cohesive architectural response.
A Bold Future, Rooted in Place
Gun Brewery’s expansion marks a new chapter—one that honours the land, celebrates community and supports the growth of an independent Sussex brewery with big ambitions.
Hawthbush Farm remains the heart of the story.
And the architecture reflects that—quietly confident, beautifully functional, and made to last.
