With the perfect storm of Dry January and rising bills, a Norfolk brewery is making sure it stays afloat in the new year by offering a 'survival box' beer subscription. 

Wildcraft Brewery, which recently relocated from Buxton to a 4,000sqft site in Smallburgh, was launched in 2016 by friends Mike Deal and Mark Goodman and it has become one of Norfolk's best-known beer brands.

Despite its success in recent years, even Wildcraft is not exempt from the pressures of the post-Christmas slump. 

Eastern Daily Press: Mike Deal and Mark Goodman started Wildcraft Brewery in 2016.Mike Deal and Mark Goodman started Wildcraft Brewery in 2016.

Mr Deal, head brewer, said: "Rising costs have been a major factor in the demise of many breweries this year - ingredients have risen by 50pc, energy by crazy amounts and even some of our cleaning products have risen in cost by more than 100pc.

"The problem is then exacerbated by the cost of living crisis which has had a massive impact on our pubs, who are in turn, ordering less as they see footfall decrease."

Eastern Daily Press: Mike Deal, director and head brewer at Wildcraft Brewery. Mike Deal, director and head brewer at Wildcraft Brewery. (Image: Supplied)

With January to March always the quietest months for the industry, Wildcraft is fighting back with its 'survival box' offering. 

Each box will contain 12 beers, sent out once a month for those three months, and it will include one-off specials.

There will also be the option for no-alcohol beers for those doing Dry January or customers can delay delivery and get two boxes in February. 

The team is hoping to sell 300 subscriptions to ensure their fixed costs are covered.

Eastern Daily Press: The beer 'survival' box from Wildcraft Brewery. The beer 'survival' box from Wildcraft Brewery. (Image: Wildcraft Brewery)

Mr Deal added: "We have an amazing customer base that has kept us going through the hardest of times so far.

"Covid, lockdowns and bad trading conditions have all been overcome.

"We are now having to call on people to get behind us again.

Eastern Daily Press: Wildcraft Brewery recently relocated to a larger premises in Smallburgh. Wildcraft Brewery recently relocated to a larger premises in Smallburgh. (Image: Wildcraft Brewery)

"We know of a lot of smaller breweries that have taken the decision to close for a few months, but we can’t do that as we have staff."

It costs £30 a month and all beers are gluten-free and vegan, with a 25pc off voucher sent to use in the Wildcraft Brewery shop in April as a thank you.