Singer songwriter Kenny Lee Roberts has teamed up with Hidden Lane Brewery to produce and sell his own beer, Hardwired Lager – and he is paying for the production so that every penny raised can go to homeless charity, Homeless Project Scotland.
The singer first discovered Hidden Lane Brewery when he played a showcase there last year. Kenny worked with the in-house team at the Brewery to come up with a beer inspired by his music, which combines Americana and Northern Soul and the result was a beer using American and British hops.
Kenny said, “As soon as I saw the place, I knew I had to do something there. It’s such a special space. Tucked down this lane – hard to find funny enough – and everyone at the show loved it.
“I tried the beers, tried them again, and spent a long time talking with Rachel and the team about doing something good for charity.
“I’m horrified by the homelessness crisis, as we all are, and actually on the way to a beer planning meeting at the brewery I drove past Heileman’s umbrella – and it just clicked.
“I’d seen stories about the great work Homeless Project Scotland are doing and thought – that’s it. We spoke to our friends at McChuills who work closely with HPS, got together with Homeless Project Scotland and it all just came together – in fact we have a wee surprise involving McChuills coming soon to help the cause too.
“I never thought I would have my own beer – or that doing something like this could hopefully have an impact in raising money and more importantly awareness of this brilliant charity and the work they do every single day.
“If ever there was a chance to have a guilt-free beer or two, this is it. I intend this to be the first of many ventures we work with Homeless Project Scotland on.”
Rachel Suttle of Hidden Lane Brewery said, “We loved Kenny’s idea of producing a beer to help such an amazing cause – the charity is a really special one and he’s been incredibly generous. The most important thing is the good that will come of this collaboration for Homeless Project Scotland and we are very proud to be part of it all. So whether you buy a beer or two, donate some clothes or even volunteer some time, please do help out if you can.”
Colin McInnes, of Homeless Project Scotland, said, “We were blown away by the generosity of Kenny when he got in touch through our mutual friends at McChuills.
Thank you Kenny, Hidden Lane Brewery and McChuills for your support. It’s amazing to know people are paying attention and not just driving on by.”