The folks at Brewhouse & Kitchen have every reason to raise a beer in celebration after the company achieved two high-profile successes in the same week.

Islington Gazette: Brewhouse & Kitchen's extensive food menu features alongside the beers brewed on site. Picture: Justin De SouzaBrewhouse & Kitchen's extensive food menu features alongside the beers brewed on site. Picture: Justin De Souza (Image: Archant)

First up, the group of pubs – which has sites in Highbury, Islington and Hoxton – came in 19th place for the Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100, which ranks the UK’s top private companies according to sales growth over the past three years.

Brewhouse & Kitchen also set a Guinness World Record for the Largest Beer Tasting at the start of the month, as 1,264 guests gathered at 21 of their venues around the country to enjoy a craft beer at the same time. Cheers!

Co-founder Kris Gumbrell says: “It is both humbling and amazing to be placed 19th in the Sunday Times’ Annual Fast Track 100 awards.

“This week has been one of the most important in Brewhouse & Kitchen’s history, it’s a historic landmark for us. We now have a Guinness World Record and have announced our intention to open the very first Brewhouse & Kitchen hotel in 2019.”

Islington Gazette: Items from the food menu at Brewhouse & Kitchen. Picture: Justin De SouzaItems from the food menu at Brewhouse & Kitchen. Picture: Justin De Souza (Image: Archant)

In the five years since the first Brewhouse & Kitchen opened in Portsmouth, the company has expanded rapidly. Its Highbury and Islington pubs were their fourth and fifth venues, while this year’s opening in Hoxton brought the estate to a total of 24.

The company offers a range of unique craft beers which are brewed on site, as well as an extensive food offering. Guests can get involved in a beer masterclass or take part in a ‘brewery experience’, which sees them learn how to brew beer in the on-site microbrewery before taking home a five-litre mini keg at the end of the day.

Brewhouse & Kitchen took their place among the Fast Track 100 after annual sales rose by 103 per cent, something which area manager Lloyd Willis attributes to the efforts of the staff.

“This is down to the people we have. We’ve got a strong brand, a strong set of principles and values. We have, in my humble opinion, some of the best people in the industry.

“Craft beer is very much in the public gaze and we are a part of that. We back the quality of our own brewed beer but we also showcase great beer from other artisanal producers – it’s about a celebration of beer in general.”

Brewhouse & Kitchen’s venues in Hackney and Islington can be found at 2A Corsica Street, 397-400 Geffrye Street and Torrens Street. Click here for more details.