Away Days Beer, set up by avid Ipswich Town Football Club fan Josh Bartlett, calls last orders ahead of final product launch

An avid Ipswich Town fan who brews football-themed beers has called last orders .

Josh Bartlett said increasing pressures of day-to-day life, including becoming a father, meant he was no longer able to manage Away Days Beer to his own high standard.

Mr Bartlett founded the brand in 2018 when the club was ‘in a dark place’, offering the chance to ‘link up with fans and put a smile on their face with tongue in cheek beer names’.

However, he said it eventually evolved into something greater than he could have imagined – and is set for one more promotion before the final whistle.

Mr Bartlett said: “It’s been a roller coaster of a journey and one I’d do all over again.

“Away Days gave me memories to last a lifetime, such as seeing the beers in the hands of football legends like Kammy (Chris Kamara), (Terry) Butcher, (Peter) Schmeichel and (Alan) Shearer, to helping raise funds for The Beat statue and Marcus Stewart’s motor neurone disease fund.

“It has come so far. Rather than just close up shop, I’ve had more than 700 people ask us to roll out one last product, just in time for Christmas – especially for Town fans.”

Mr Bartlett was born in Suffolk but moved to Lincolnshire a few years ago.

Away Days started out as a part-time gig but blew up to the point where Mr Bartlett was running it full-time.

Previous labels included Hoppy Robson, Marcus BrewIt, Wayne Brewny and McKenna Artois.

He said Town fans were partly responsible for the brand’s growth.

In response, Mr Bartlett has announced his ITFC Legends XI beer pack, featuring 11 players and one manager, plus various kits, from the last 60 years.

Orders will be dispatched between December 2 and 13 and can be pre-ordered using this link.

Mr Bartlett is confident the new range will be enjoyed by all beer fans.

However, he also raised the possibility it might not be the end for the brand.

Mr Bartlett added: “I cannot thank everyone enough for all the support the last six years. Without them, Away Days wouldn’t have achieved the things it has and hope it’ll leave a small legacy in the ITFC history books.

“There is a slim chance Away Days may continue under new ownership but if it doesn’t, here’s to you ITFC fans, we’ve finally got our club back where it deserves to be, so cheers to that and cheers to you.”

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