After 15 years running one of Norfolk’s best-loved breweries, founder and owner Martin James has decided to move on to pastures new.
Since its beginnings, Panther Brewery has been shaped by a simple and powerful idea: brew great-tasting beer using quality ingredients that reflect the character, community and legends of Norfolk.
Founded in 2010, Martin, Danny and the team grew the brewery from a passionate local venture into a well-loved name among drinkers who value quality, flavour and hand-brewing.
In June 2025, the ownership of Panther Brewery passed from Martin to Ivan Browne. After years of building the brewery from the ground up, Martin made the decision to step back, leaving behind a strong foundation and a loyal following built on craftsmanship and care.
Ivan takes on Panther with a deep respect for what’s been created, but a new vision for the future of the brewery. A long-time admirer of the brewery and its ethos, his vision is not to change what makes Panther so special, but to build upon it - preserving the quality and character of the beers while continuing to grow the brewery’s presence across Norfolk and beyond.
For customers and stockists, the transition marks continuity as much as change. The same commitment to well-balanced, full-flavour beers remains at the heart of everything Panther produces. Familiar favourites will continue to be brewed with the same attention to detail while the future also brings opportunities for new ideas, collaborations, seasonal releases - and even types of drink other than beer.
Martin’s contribution to Panther Brewery and the local brewing community can’t be overstated - his passion and dedication established the brewery’s reputation and created something that people genuinely care about. As Panther moves forward under Ivan’s ownership, that legacy remains firmly at its core.
This is not the end of Panther Brewery’s story, simply the start of another chapter. One that honours where the brewery has come from, while looking ahead to an exciting future.
