10 Reasons Why We Celebrate International Women’s Day at Lost and Found
It’s Sunday, March 8th, 2026, and if you step inside our cozy spot on Ditchling Road today, you’ll feel a little extra buzz in the air. Today isn’t just another Sunday roast or a quiet afternoon pint; it’s International Women’s Day. At Lost and Found, we’re more than just a Brighton taproom: we’re a community hub. And that community is built, sustained, and made infinitely better by the women who walk through our doors every single day.
From the incredible women brewing the craft beer in Brighton that fills our taps, to our hardworking staff and the legends who live right here in Fiveways, there’s so much to celebrate. We’re the counter-culture to big-label beer, and a huge part of that movement is driven by women who are reclaiming their space in the industry.
So, while we’re pouring the freshest pints and decanting some world-class Sussex wine, here are 10 reasons why International Women’s Day is a massive deal for us at Lost and Found.
1. Celebrating the Trailblazing Female Brewers
The craft beer world has traditionally been seen as a bit of a "boys' club," but that narrative is being dismantled right here in Sussex. When we look for the best craft beer in Brighton, we aren't just looking for a logo; we’re looking for the passion and skill behind the brew. We are incredibly proud to stock beers from local independents where women are leading the charge: whether they are head brewers, owners, or production stars.
The industry is shifting, and the creativity coming from female brewers is unmatched. They are pushing boundaries with flavour profiles, experimenting with sustainable brewing practices, and proving that the future of independent beer is inclusive. Every time you grab a pint from our tap list, there’s a good chance a talented woman had a hand in making it taste that good.
2. A Nod to the Original Brewers: The Alewives
History often forgets that for centuries, brewing was "women’s work." Long before industrialization took over, the "Alewives" or "Brewsters" were the ones running the show. They brewed in their kitchens to provide nutrition for their families and sold the surplus to their neighbors.
In fact, many of the icons we associate with brewing today: the broom hanging over the door (to show beer was ready), the pointed hats (to be seen in the marketplace), and even the cats (to keep grain safe from mice): were the symbols of these female brewers. Somewhere along the line, the industry was taken out of their hands, but the modern craft beer movement is bringing that energy back. Celebrating IWD is our way of honoring those historical roots.
3. The Incredible Women of the Fiveways Community
We’re tucked away in the heart of Fiveways, and honestly, we couldn’t ask for a better neighborhood. The women of Fiveways are the backbone of this area. From the business owners running the independent shops on Ditchling Road to the mums, artists, and retirees who make this place feel like home, you are why we do what we do.
Lost and Found is a place for the community to gather, and seeing groups of women meeting up for a catch-up over a glass of wine or a local ale is exactly what we envisioned when we opened. We’re not just a taproom Brighton locals visit; we’re a space where Fiveways life happens.
4. Our Amazing Female Staff
If you’ve been into Lost and Found, you’ve met the team. Our female staff members aren't just "employees": they are the face of the taproom. They are experts in their craft, whether it's explaining the tasting notes of a complex sour or helping you find the perfect gift from our merch shop.
Their hard work, hospitality, and genuine love for the community are what make the atmosphere here so friendly and welcoming. They handle the busy Friday night rushes with grace and make the quiet Tuesday afternoons feel like a home away from home. We wouldn't be Lost and Found without them.
5. Supporting Independent, Female-Led Local Businesses
Sustainability and locality are at the heart of our about us philosophy. We don't just stop at beer. Brighton and Sussex are full of incredible female-led businesses, from the florists who brighten our tables to the local artisans whose products we admire.
By celebrating International Women’s Day, we’re highlighting the importance of supporting local. When you choose an independent Brighton venue like ours, you’re helping us support a network of other local creators and entrepreneurs who are keeping the soul of Brighton alive.
6. Ensuring a Safe, Welcoming Space for Everyone
It’s a sad reality that not every hospitality space feels safe for women. At Lost and Found, we take that responsibility seriously. We’ve worked hard to ensure our taproom is an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment for everyone.
Whether you’re coming in solo to read a book with a pint, or you’re hosting a massive celebration using our venue hire (which is free, by the way!), we want you to feel completely at ease. IWD is a reminder to us to keep maintaining those standards and ensuring our space remains a sanctuary for the "counter-culture" to flourish.
7. Celebrating Our Female-Led Vineyards
While we are a craft beer taproom, our love for a good drop doesn't end with hops. We have a carefully curated wine list that features some truly stunning bottles from female-led vineyards. From the rolling hills of the Sussex countryside to independent estates across Europe, we seek out winemakers who share our values of quality and independence.
There is something special about a wine produced with that level of care and attention to detail. If you haven't explored our wine selection yet, today is the perfect day to start. Check out our menu to see what’s currently chilling in the fridge.
8. Raising Awareness for Gender Equality
International Women’s Day is a celebration, but it’s also a call to action. Despite the progress made in the craft beer in Brighton scene and beyond, there is still a long way to go regarding gender equality in the workplace and in society.
By marking this day, we’re standing in solidarity with the global movement for equality. We believe that everyone: regardless of gender: should have the same opportunities to lead, create, and succeed. Whether it's through fair pay, equal representation on our taps, or simply providing a platform for female voices, we’re committed to doing our part.
9. Impacting the 'Counter-Culture' Beer Scene
The "counter-culture" is all about moving away from corporate, soul-less brands and moving toward something authentic. Women have been instrumental in this shift. They are often the ones pushing for more ethical sourcing, better community engagement, and a move away from the "lads, lads, lads" marketing of the past.
We recently wrote about the human cost of corporate beer, and it’s clear that independent spaces are where the real heart is. Women in the industry are leading this charge, prioritizing people and craft over corporate greed.
10. Simply Because They Make the Taproom a Better Place
At the end of the day, the simplest reason is often the most important: women make Lost and Found what it is. The laughter, the conversation, the expertise, and the community spirit they bring into the room are irreplaceable.
Our taproom is a tapestry of different stories, and so many of those stories are authored by the incredible women we are lucky enough to call our customers and friends. You make the vibe warmer, the conversation smarter, and the beer taste better.
Join the Celebration
Whether you’re a regular or you’ve never stepped foot on Ditchling Road before, we’d love to see you today. Come down, grab a stool, and let’s raise a glass to the women who make Brighton: and the world: a much more interesting place to be.
If you’re planning your own celebration soon, don’t forget that we offer free venue hire in Brighton for birthdays, anniversaries, or just "because" parties. Our space holds up to 80 people, and we’d love to help you host an unforgettable event.
Want to know what else is happening? Check out our What’s On page for upcoming quiz nights and events.
Cheers to the women of Brighton: today, and every day! 🍻✨
Ready to visit? Contact us or just pop in! We're waiting for you at the bar.
