IF things continue the way they're going at Quantock Brewery, they're gonna need a bigger trophy cabinet.

The Bishops Lydeard beer maker has just seen its We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat win gold for best canned IPA in the SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) National Independent Beer Awards.

The Broadgauge Business Park-based company, also picked up bronze for the keg version of the brew, which had scooped the top accolade in its category at last year's awards.

Quantock co-founder and managing director Cheryl Ford hit on the name We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat - a reference to the famous line by Robert Shaw in Jaws - as the brewery has needed to expand to keep up with a surge in demand in recent years.

Reflecting on the latest accolade, Cheryl said: "The way that the brewery industry is right now, when you can go into a national competition and win as a small team at an independent brewery, it means so much to us.

"We have won a lot of awards. They all mean something, but this one is a national award judged by our peers, professionals throughout the brewing industry.

"There aren't enough words to describe how that feels."

With a number of small brewers falling by the wayside during the cost of living crisis, Quantock is going from strength to strength.

"It's been an emotional rollercoaster and I feel for those breweries who have gone under," added Cheryl.

"But we've got a unique team with a passion. It's for the love of beer you get up every morning.

"We're all part of this journey and we're glad to still be here."

The brewery premises features a shop and an enlarged tap room that opens Tuesday to Saturday, giving customers a chance to savour the latest brews.

The brewing side has a larger capacity to keep up with demand, with interest from across the South West - and orders coming in from as far afield as China.

Master brewer Dan Enticott regularly brews two lots of 3,200 litres of beer a day and there's now the capacity to brew 6,400 litre batches.

Quantock has brought in its own machinery to carry out canning in house - up to 2,000 cans can be filled in an hour.

Dan said: "We've got our core beers such as Will's Neck and Quantock and we do regular specials.

"There's a lot of experimentation, but the beer needs to be commercially viable.

"We're trying to make ourselves look unique.

"We brew beer for everybody, unlike some breweries which to for a particular style.

"Having the tap room is brilliant. It's like inviting people into our living room and getting their feedback."