Saint Mars of the Desert Saint Winefride

Sheffield has long had a healthy brewing culture, but Saint Mars of the Desert arrived with a slightly different perspective. Founded by Dann and Martha Paquette after years spent brewing in the United States, the brewery brought together British, European and American influences without feeling tied exclusively to any of them.

The range is wonderfully difficult to pin down. Crisp lagers, saisons, mixed fermentation beers, pale ales and stronger Belgian-inspired styles all appear regularly. Rather than chasing one trend relentlessly, the brewery seems more interested in making whatever style happens to suit the idea.

The saisons are often particularly strong. Dry, expressive and full of yeast character, they feel rooted in traditional farmhouse brewing while still carrying a modern sense of precision. The lagers deserve equal attention, showing the sort of clean fermentation that quietly demonstrates technical skill.

There is also a strong sense of curiosity running through the brewery. Experiments happen regularly, but usually with purpose rather than novelty for novelty’s sake.

British brewing has become far more diverse over the last decade, and Saint Mars of the Desert are among the producers helping prove how broad that landscape can actually be.