Top 6 Brewery Menu Design Ideas (2025) That Pour Creativity Into Every Pint

Craft beers and independent breweries in India is no longer a nascent industry. India's alcohol beverage market has seen a notable shift, with craft beer carving out a significant niche. Despite various challenges, the craft beer industry, driven by microbreweries and premium product offerings, is experiencing robust growth. “The brewery industry in India is not uniformly experiencing slow growth. Despite challenges, the sector has demonstrated resilience and adaptability despite regulatory obstacles and market fluctuations. Various factors, including shifting consumer preferences, evolving regulatory environments, and the rise of craft breweries, have contributed to a dynamic and multifaceted market landscape. While some segments may need more growth due to saturation or regulatory limitations, others are witnessing substantial expansion opportunities,” Teja Chekuri, Managing Partner at Ironhill India said. 

Growth of Craft Beer in India

The craft beer market in India is burgeoning, characterised by an annual growth rate projected to be around 24.41 percent from 2024 to 2032​ (IMARC)​. This growth is fueled by several factors, including an increased interest from the older demographic, who are attracted to the varied and sophisticated flavours offered by craft beers​.

Microbreweries play a crucial role in this expansion. These establishments not only provide a wide array of choices but also bring innovation right into the casual dining experience. The introduction of microbreweries has allowed for a personal touch in the brewing process, often located within restaurants and pubs, making craft beer more accessible and experiential for consumers​​.

Prasanna Kumar, CEO & Co-founder of BLR Brewing Co. cautions that starting a brewery involves more than just arranging finances and handling cash flow. Despite the allure of owning a brewery, which might seem trendy and less demanding than other businesses, plus the added perk of having beer readily available, the reality of entering the beer business in India can be quite different. Kumar emphasises that the actual challenges and learning experiences only become apparent through the process of setting up and running the business.

Consumer Preferences and Market Dynamics

Today's Indian consumer shows a growing preference for low-alcohol and non-alcoholic beers, reflecting a broader trend towards health-conscious choices. However, there is also a significant demand for premium alcoholic beverages, as evidenced by the surge in sales of high-quality, premium-category beers. This segment is expected to dominate the industry, driven by the middle-class's increasing disposable income and desire for innovative and high-quality products​​.

“The distribution channels for craft beer are also evolving, with both on-trade (bars, pubs) and off-trade (retail stores) venues seeing growth. The on-trade channel, in particular, benefits from the social dynamics of beer consumption, where trying new beers becomes a communal and shared experience,” Delhi-based industry expert Sudhir Upadhyay, in the trade for 25 years commented​.

Challenges and Competitive Landscape

While the craft beer sector is growing, it faces competition from other alcoholic beverages and a regulatory environment that can be stringent. Additionally, the market sees a high level of competition among existing players, with major brands continually innovating to capture consumer interest. Recent product launches by companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev, which introduced new varieties tailored to Indian tastes, signify the competitive dynamics in this sector​.

“Advancements in brewing techniques, product diversification, and strategic partnerships have injected fresh momentum into the industry. As India's economy develops and consumer purchasing power increases, the brewery industry is well-positioned to capitalise on the rising demand for premium and experiential beverages. Long story short, the brewery industry in India presents a nuanced picture. While challenges are present, it is essential to recognize that the industry is not uniformly experiencing slow growth. It is characterised by a blend of opportunities and obstacles, offering stakeholders a realistic and well-informed perspective,” Chekuri added.

Regional Insights

There are four to five states which have set clear guidelines for the setting up of a microbrewery, with complete excise policies such as Karnataka, Haryana, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Delhi, Pondicherry and a few more.

India's craft beer market displays diverse growth across its regions, driven by unique cultural and consumer dynamics. South India, with cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad, leads in craft beer innovation, supported by a rich culinary culture and urban populace that appreciates diverse, quality beers. North India, particularly Delhi and Gurgaon, shows dynamic market growth with its dense population and evolving tastes encouraging numerous craft breweries. In West and Central India, Mumbai and Pune are propelled by an urban lifestyle and corporate culture, making craft beers popular among young professionals. East India, with cities like Kolkata and Bhubaneswar, is rapidly growing as digital adoption increases and younger demographics seek innovative beers, making these regions crucial to the expansion of India's craft beer culture​.

Future Outlook

The future of India's brewery business appears promising. As the consumer base grows and matures, the demand for diverse and high-quality beer is expected to rise. The industry's potential is vast, with room for new entrants and innovation. Additionally, the increasing penetration of online sales platforms and the expansion of distribution networks are expected to further boost the market's growth.

While the Indian brewery business, particularly the craft beer segment, navigates through various challenges, its growth prospects remain strong. The shift towards more nuanced and quality-focused beer offerings continues to shape the landscape of alcoholic beverages in India.

After opening outlet in Versova, Andheri, Independence Brewing Company is opening new outpost at Powai.

Amidst the Roman-Gothic Architecture in Central Avenue of Hiranandani, Powai, is this 100-seater, plush, Craft Bar. Brasserie.

“It’s gratifying to see how much savvy customers embrace the craft beer culture today and know so much more about this style of beer. Gone are the days of simply drinking beer at parties; today’s customers really relish the taste and are curious about the brewing process and styles. We’re keen to offer this, coupled with unequivocally tantalizing food and a soothing ambience, to our guests at IBC Powai,” shared Anirudh Khanna, Promoter of IBC (Independence Brewing Company).

The eclectic, modern artwork on the entire left wall, is the first thing that catches one’s eye. The seating is thought-through and layered to give customers privacy.

At any given point one would find more than a dozen fresh brews, made from ingredients that are mostly imported. Wits, Lagers, Ales, Ciders and Stouts form the chunk of the offering.

It also has elaborate Cocktails and a cuisine that is primarily European with global influences.

IBC (Independence Brewing Company), is set to be Powai’s newest hang-out. A place that reflects the ever-evolving culture, home to some International Corporates, replete with residents who belong to the Business Community, Consultants, Entrepreneurs, Pilots & Crew from Airlines and the Corporates themselves.

IBC (Independence Brewing Company) provides free Wi-Fi, modular seating, world-class service & ample parking space, making it the perfect destination for large groups, ranging from corporate get-togethers, networking meets, birthday parties, re-unions, farewells, workshops, to even smaller wedding events.

Drifters Breweries launches Drifters Tap Station in the heart of Mumbai on the 20th January 2021.

Located in the busy street of Bandra, Linking Road amidst many restaurants, pubs and lounges, the brewery marks the opening of their first-ever Tap Station in India.

This follows the success of their Growler Stations in Pune and Mumbai’s Powai & Thane.

Also Read: Drifters Breweries launches 2 Growler Stations in Mumbai

“Several years ago when I began my tryst with the brewing industry, I had envisioned having Drifters Breweries on the beer map of India where the brand would be known for top quality craft brews. I am grateful to have set out on this journey with my wife Sheetal who defines positivity and we feel being a craft beer brand we should not limit ourselves only to growlers stations. We feel there's a string demand amongst our customers to have a sit down place where they can have our beers along with some good food. This is what led us to the opening of Tap Stations,” said Nayan Shah, Managing Director at Drifters Breweries.

The new 2200 square feet outlet with rustic interiors has elements in the decor radiating energy that will help one unwind and take in the energy the place has to offer. The outlet has an indoor and outdoor section with 100 seats where the ground floor gives a vibe of a beer garden, and the first floor has comfortable interiors featuring a big beer tower with 12 taps and hand-painted brewing process in the entire double height staircase with different beer names painted artwork on a wall.

May Interest: Drifters launches growler station in Pune

The food menu includes an extravagant offering from diverse cuisines. Opt for the freshly curated beer bites like Jalapeno Pepper Cheese Garlic Bread, Sichuan Chilli Prawns, Harissa Hummus or classics such as Nachos, Cheese Garlic Bread, and Peri Peri Fries with Spicy Tangy Sauce. The menu includes appetizers such as Mushroom Crostini, Bil Lamhe Chicken, and more complimenting the beers.

Beer is a social drink and during this time of social distancing, it has adversely affected the sale of beers forcing the brewers to dispose of the already produced brews that passed its shelf life.

Due to the closure of the hospitality sector, beers were the most affected amongst all the alcohol drinks. Last year was one of the worst years any of us has suffered, and that goes double for microbreweries, brewpubs, bars, restaurants. Despite the difficulties, brewers are doing what they do best — creating and releasing innovative Craft Beers that keep consumers coming back for more.

Also Read: How Microbreweries are Changing the Face of Craft Beer in India

New ways to sell Beers: We will see a continuation and expansion of several trends which are related to COVID-19 e.g. online sales of beers, home delivery of growlers, maximizing available outdoor space where possible for customers in Taproom, Digital Menus etc. Permission to fill craft beer in growlers and deliver to customers at their homes plays a big role in survival of microbreweries in Maharashtra & Karnataka during the times of pandemic. Obviously, growler delivery has played a huge role in mitigating the effects of taproom closures due to COVID-19. Breweries changed their business model in just a matter of weeks once they got permission to deliver craft beer in growlers, and will need to continue to leverage these new distribution platforms into the New Year. At Drifters we opened a number of small Growlers Stations in different areas of Mumbai & Pune to sell our craft beers in Growlers for Pick-up and Delivery, across both the cities. Many more breweries follow the same model in Maharashtra to increase their sales and as per my view this trend will continue in next year.

Fruit Sours and IPAs will lead the way in 2021: While it’s always fun to speculate which new and innovative styles & techniques will define beer in the year ahead, I think 2021’s most important trend is going to be in relation to customer experience and human resources. “Craft beer is all about the people”.

Craft beer trend is picking up very fast in India and with this trend people also want to know and experience their beers differently than before. If we talk about which styles of beer will trend in 2021 then, two types come to my mind, Fruit Sours and Hazy IPAs, Fruit Sours are made with local and exotic fruit infusion with natural sourness generated by lactobacillus bacteria and is creamy enough to balance that sourness. Hazy IPAs are very hoppy, fruity and an unfiltered IPA, they tend to be very low in bitterness with some tropical and juicy flavours. Hazy IPAs also have a fuller & creamier mouth feel. 

May Interest: This Pune-based Brewery is standing ahead of time and trend

‘Lagers’ get Respect in Craft Industry: One more trend started last year which is going to be continuing for a long time is the craft industry getting a respect for a Lager. Lager has suffered a lot in the craft beer market due to their impression of being sold in commercial bottles. But now breweries have started experimenting with lagers and people are also reacting to it very well. As everyone is used to drinking lager from a commercial bottle since long, they already have developed a taste for it. Here at Drifters we have three to four different kinds of Lagers always on Tap for our customers to enjoy, such as Helles (German Lager), Vienna Lager, Amber Lager, Pilsner (Czech Pale Lager), IPL (India Pale Lager).

Events go Virtual: This year, we’ve seen large scale functions and events go virtual, and that will also apply to the Craft Beer industry. Many breweries started doing quizzes, live events and show online to attract more customers with an option to deliver growlers to their home so they can join live events whilst sipping and enjoying beers from the comfort of their home, which they used to do in Taproom. I don’t see this trend going anywhere, at least for the entire next year.

Finally I can say, the Craft Beer sector doesn’t necessarily need to be modernized, but craft brewers are changing slowly. The whole craft beer market will become ever more inclusive and innovative with a greater growth expected over the next few years.

The Restaurant Industry has been badly affected due to COVID-19, and the continuous lockdown because of the ongoing pandemic. With this, the sector has witnessed a change in people’s consumption habit, with safety becoming the most important factor for a restaurant.  Also, employment, skilled labour and sales and branding are some major issues the sector is facing for long. Seeing all this, Pravesh Pandey a seasoned restaurateur and hospitality professional launched Releski, an app based skill development platform for hospitality professional.

The Bengaluru based skill-tech company has hospitality in its veins and hence it has created the most comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the post-pandemic era.

 “The mission is to transform the skills landscape in Indian hospitality sector for blue collared workforce and increase employability in India by up-skilling vocational training course via video-based platform, said, Pandey who is the founder of Releski.

Releski is a revolutionary platform to recruit job fit candidates and help business owners, employees & job seekers up-skill using short and simple video based programmes.

Why this platform?

The major challenge restaurants face is sales, branding and employee and knowing that employee or people is the biggest asset and resource for any company the app provide certification and dignity to the employees.

“Restaurant doesn’t value their people as it is done internationally. I want to take on the mission of skill India by focusing on hospitality,” added Pandey who also co-owns Asia’s biggest brewery Byg Brewski in Bangalore.

How is it supporting the fraternity?

·         Courses for hospitality professionals by hospitality experts

·         Multilingual- video based lessons for each department

·         Focuses more on showing and not telling

·         Negligible cost on training resources

·         Training can happen anytime, anywhere

·         Standardising procedures across the country

The app currently works in four languages, it also works on Whatsapp.

“After spending 20 years in the Restaurant Industry, I realized that the need of the hour is a skilled landscape in the Restaurant Industry, as with more than 7.3 million employees and growing, the industry is purely dependent on its people. 65% of the Industry is unorganized, my intent is to help them getting organized through Training support, he further added.

The owners of Punjabi By Nature, the 18-year-old brand that is lauded for its authentic North Indian flavors have ventured into the world of casual dining for the first time. 

Beer Bahadur situated in the Ambience Mall, Gurgaon has been a blessing as it brings the closest brewery to Delhi and the only brewery in Ambience mall.

The newest addition to the hospitality and nightlife industry in Delhi and Gurgaon, Beer Bahadur is unreal and nothing like you have ever experienced before.

Placed in a very quirky setting, it is a marvelous sight for anyone who enters the restaurant, only to find themselves surrounded by multitudes of eye-catching decor items and artworks that will surely grab your attention.

The brewery offers a range of gastronomical delights and an indoor and outdoor dining area embellished with humorous decor articles wherever you turn.

The brewery is a sight to see standing tall and shiny amidst the bar that serves flavorsome cocktails and exclusive beers. A lounge by the day and a party place by the night, Gurgaon needed a place like this.

With a vast menu of global food and drinks, Beer Bahadur is set to be a groundbreaking restaurant and bar for the public of Gurgaon.

Besides the fact that Beer Bahadur is the new place in town, it also offers some crazy dishes. In fact, it’s not just the food here that will make your legs weak and put a smile on your face, it’s also the rad ambiance. Brightly lit up with a thousand colors popping into your eyes from every corner, the place is an absolute delight! Furnished impeccably to offer warm, fuzzy feeling – Beer Bahadur in Gurugram is a temptation worth hittin’ up!