Mad Squirrel Brewery & Taproom

Head out towards Boxted Farm and you'll find Mad Squirrel tucked into an industrial unit that doesn't announce itself loudly—which is very much the point. You're walking into a working brewery, not some Instagram-baiting bar. The taproom itself is refreshingly unpretentious: exposed brick, brewing equipment visible through glass, and a rotating selection of their own beers on tap alongside guest pours. It's the kind of place where you can actually chat to the brewers about what you're drinking, and they'll happily explain what's gone into it. The atmosphere is relaxed and genuinely friendly—locals pop in for a pint after work, groups come specifically to try new releases, families with kids are welcome during the day. This is Hemel's answer to proper craft beer culture done without the posturing.