19/08/2026
We've seen quite a few new followers in recent weeks, so I wanted to reintroduce myself in case you don't already know me. And if you know me already, you might even learn new things about me!
My name is Henry Kirk, and I am the founder of Sunken Knave
Originally from London, I studied English Literature at Sussex University 21 years ago, which is where I came across Darkstar, and the seeds of my future career were sown, as well as my love of Sussex.
After ditching a job in retail for brewing, I went to Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to study Brewing & Distilling. An incredible time was had by all, with summers spent working for Joseph Holts in Manchester and Harveys Brewery in Lewes, two beautiful breweries that fed my growing romantic association with British beer styles.
But my passion for historical breweries and their tradition really started when I joined Fuller's and was able to plunge myself into their old brewing books, recreating recipes like 1914’s Strong X Mild, 1909’s Pale Ale, and the famous Prize Old Ale.
With Sunken Knave, I want to recreate traditional British Ales with the ambition of bringing classic English styles to the same level of esteem as Belgian ales. Each beer is an homage to the perseverance of Worthing’s knaves and smugglers. Inspired by the beauty of their legends, the waves washing up the coast, and the bells ringing through the storm...
