Czech Mates is a collaboration between Thornbridge Brewery and Budvar, the renowned Czech brewery. Thornbridge was the first brewery outside the Czech Republic that Budvar had collaborated with, a reflection of the respect that Thornbridge commands internationally within the craft brewing world. It brings together two brewing traditions, Thornbridge's craft approach and Budvar's Czech lager heritage, to create a 4.8% Czech Style Lager that reflects the best of both.

A great craft lager requires exceptional ingredients, precise temperature control during fermentation, and patience during the lagering process. At Thornbridge, our lagers spend a minimum of five weeks cold conditioning — a process that smooths the beer, develops its clean crisp character, and creates the depth of flavour that mass-market lagers simply don't have time for. We apply the same uncompromising standards to our lagers as we do to every beer we brew.

Lager takes significantly longer to brew than ale. At Thornbridge, our lagers spend a minimum of five weeks cold conditioning during the lagering process — compared to the days or weeks a typical ale might condition. This extended period at cold temperatures allows the beer to clarify naturally, smooth out any rough edges, and develop the clean, crisp character that defines a great lager. It is one of the reasons craft lager costs more to produce than mass-market alternatives.

Helles is a traditional German lager style originating in Bavaria. Pale golden in colour, it is characterised by a clean, crisp flavour with a soft malt sweetness and gentle hop bitterness. Lukas, Thornbridge's 4.2% Helles Lager, is a classic example of the style — light, refreshing and endlessly drinkable.

Czech Style Lager is often characterised by its use of Saaz hops, which give a distinctive spicy, herbal bitterness, and a soft water profile that creates a clean, rounded finish. Czech Mates, Thornbridge's collaboration with Budvar, is brewed in the Czech tradition and reflects the heritage and craftsmanship of one of the world's great lager-brewing nations. Brewed together with Budvar, the national brewery of the Czech Republic, CZECH MATES combines Budvar’s expertise in Czech lager excellence with our passion for quality and innovation. This embodies the true essence of Czech lager with a UK twist using Budvar’s traditional decoction method alongside our British hops, malt and brewing infrastructure.

Pilsner is a style of lager originating in Pilsen, Czech Republic in the 19th century. It is typically pale golden, with a pronounced hop bitterness and a clean, dry finish. Bayern is Thornbridge's take on the Bavarian Pilsner tradition, brewed at 4.8% ABV and gluten free.

Thornbridge brews an Oktoberfest lager each year to mark the occasion, typically at around 5-6% ABV and brewed in the traditional style with a richer, maltier character than our everyday lagers. The name changes each year, reflecting the brewing team's approach to seasonal releases — previous editions have each had their own identity while staying true to the Oktoberfest tradition. Available while stocks last each autumn — keep an eye on the website and announcement bar for the latest release.

Yes — the full Thornbridge lager range is available to buy online at thornbridgebrewery.co.uk, with free delivery on orders over £40. Lukas, Bayern and Czech Mates are available year-round as core beers, with seasonal lagers including Favorito available during summer months. Choose from single cans, cases or build your own mixed case.

Yes — Lukas is gluten free, as is Bayern, Thornbridge's 4.8% Pilsner. Both are crafted to be accessible to those with gluten intolerance without compromising on flavour or quality. This beer is brewed with barley and wheat malt. We use an enzyme called Dehaze which reduces Gluten levels to below 20ppm, making it officially Gluten Free

Thornbridge uses an enzyme called Dehaze during the brewing process which breaks down gluten proteins and reduces gluten levels to below 20ppm. This is the threshold at which a beer can officially be classified as gluten free. The process allows Lukas and Bayern to retain their full flavour and character while being safe for those with gluten intolerance. Both beers are tested to confirm they meet the below 20ppm standard before release