Tap Social
Tap Social Movement grew out of a passion for great beer and social justice. We’re a social enterprise founded in Oxford in 2016 by a small group of young professionals from a range of backgrounds across both the criminal justice system and the hospitality sector. We were determined to do something about the way the UK’s broken prison system and exclusionary labour market combine to lock ex-offenders and victims of crime alike in a vicious cycle of reoffending.
In our first few years of operation we have worked with dozens of ex-offenders and prisoners on day-release to brew our criminally good beer for an increasingly broad and loyal audience. We’re proud to say that several of those who joined us from prison are still permanent members of the team, and many more have found sustainable employment elsewhere with our help. Over that time we’ve enjoyed awards and recognition for both our delicious beer and our real social impact. This year we are excited to have re-launched our core range of bold craft beer (pale ales, lagers, stouts and sour beer) in 330ml cans, complete with labels featuring artwork from prison artists and engaging facts about our broken penal system and how we can all contribute towards fixing it.
Our original brewing site is home to the Tap Social Taproom, a large community hangout and events space that welcomes hundreds of visitors each week. We run events such as beer festivals, live music gigs, yoga classes, wedding receptions, charity fundraisers, business conferences, art exhibitions and more at the taproom. We are currently opening the White House by Tap Social – a community café, bar and kitchen in Oxford’s city centre, and later this year we will be opening the Market Tap in Oxford’s Historic Covered Market. Each of our hospitality venues offers further training and employment opportunities to those who have been impacted by the criminal justice system.
