A Refreshing New Arrival: Siren’s Sparkling Hopwater Lands in M&S

Fancy something sparkling, refreshing and a little different? Siren Craft Brew’s Sparkling Hopwater has arrived in M&S, bringing a fresh option to the growing world of alcohol-free drinks.

The Berkshire brewery’s Krush variety is now available in 440ml cans in 179 M&S stores nationwide. 

That puts this drink within reach of more shoppers looking for something beyond the usual soft drinks.

So, what exactly is hopwater? Think sparkling water with the flavour and aroma of hops, the ingredient familiar to beer lovers. 

Siren’s version contains 0% alcohol, zero calories and zero sugar, making it an appealing choice when you fancy a refreshing drink without the booze.

And while the name might suggest something bitter, Siren describes Krush as having a sweet fruit note, with a clean, effervescent finish. 

That fruity character comes without sugar, offering a different sort of refreshment for anyone keen to explore new flavours.

The inspiration for Siren’s range came during a trip to Oregon’s hop harvest in September 2023. Head brewer Sean Knight and founder Darron Anley noticed growing enthusiasm for hopwaters among American brewers and hop growers, who were exploring ways to use hops beyond traditional beer.

Siren launched its own UK range in 2024, initially producing Nelson Sauvin, Citra and Idaho versions. Now, the M&S listing gives hopwater a chance to reach a much wider audience.

Commercial director Andy Nowlan says the drink has already become a staple in Siren’s bars and an important part of its range. He also praised M&S for backing a product that remains relatively unfamiliar to many British shoppers.

For those curious to compare varieties, Citra is currently available directly from Siren online and at its venues. Nelson Sauvin is expected to return online and in venues soon, according to the brewery.

Based in Finchampstead, Siren has been brewing since 2013 and has built its reputation on modern beers packed with flavour. Its move into hopwater brings that interest in hops to a drink suited to a different occasion.

Whether you are taking a break from alcohol, planning an evening or simply bored with your fizzy drink, this could be something to pop in the fridge and try.

Here at That’s Food and Drink, we welcome more choice for people who want an interesting alcohol-free option. A sparkling drink with hop character sounds like a refreshing addition to the shelves. Will hopwater find a place in your shopping basket?

We must confess to having developed a taste for Siren's beers. As for hop water? We'll check out our nearest M&S branches soon!

Siren Craft Brew Strengthens Links to Reading Football Club

Siren Craft Brew is the new principal sponsor of The Tilehurst End, one of Reading Football Club's longest running, and most popular fan-run media platforms. 

Comprising a website and podcast with over 700 episodes, The Tilehurst End has chronicled the ups and downs of Reading Football Club from the final days of Sir John Madejski through to the present day. 

The partnership is the latest piece of a puzzle that has seen Siren Craft Brew take over as official beer supplier to the Reading FC fanzone, located at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, and Siren's RG1 bar hosting its first live football podcast event with The Tilehurst End, at the end of the 2025/26 season. 

As part of the sponsorship, Siren's RG1 bar in Central Reading will continue to host live Tilehurst End podcast events as the 'home away from home' for supporters travelling from Reading Town Centre. The next live podcast event is scheduled for the Bradford City home game on Saturday, October 3 (time to be confirmed). 

There will be Siren giveaways throughout the season on the podcast and exclusive monthly prize draws for Patreon members. Additionally, all Tilehurst End listeners can use code Tilehurst10 to receive 10% off their next Siren Webshop order over £30. 

Pictured are Ben Thomas of The Tilehurst End and Andy Nowlan, Marketing Manager at Siren Craft Brew.

Ben Thomas, The Tilehurst End podcast host told That's Food and Drink: "I'm delighted to welcome Siren Craft Brew as our main podcast sponsor here at TTE. We've developed a strong relationship over the last few months, and I'm really pleased to make it 'official'. 

"There are lots of things for our fans to look forward too, including more live pods, giveaways of merchandise and beer and having a stronger presence at their flagship bar, RG1. I'm grateful for the support they have shown us and the faith they have put into our podcast and with Siren now holding a space at the stadium in the fanzone, there is lots of scope for collaboration moving forward. 

George Upton, General Manager, Siren RG1 in Central Reading commented: "We're incredibly excited to get closer to Royals fans working alongside the best RFC podcast! We love that Siren are part of the fanzone and we can support them by being the home for all reading fans in the town centre itself! Especially being so close to the station too."

Siren Sounds for Reading FC

Reading Football Club is delighted to welcome Siren Craft Brew as its new Official Local Brewing Partner.

Based just down the road in Finchampstead, Berkshire, Siren will have a prominent presence in the Fan Zone at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, giving Royals supporters the chance to enjoy a selection of locally brewed beers ahead of every home fixture.

Founded in 2013, Siren Craft Brew has grown from its Berkshire roots to build a national reputation for innovative, award-winning beers, making this a natural partnership between two organisations proud to call the county home.

Among the Siren favourites available to supporters will be Lumina Session IPA, alongside Show Your Stripes, a lager created in collaboration with the University of Reading and inspired by its famous Climate Stripes.

The Climate Stripes have become recognised around the world as a powerful visual representation of our changing climate, and are a campaign Reading Football Club has also been proud to support and promote over recent years.

Tim Kilpatrick, Chief Revenue Officer at Reading Football Club, told That's Food and Drink:  “We're delighted to welcome Siren Craft Brew as our Official Local Brewing Partner.

“Siren are a fantastic Berkshire success story and have already built a great connection with many of our supporters, so we're really pleased to bring their beers into the Fan Zone on matchdays.

“We want the Fan Zone to continue developing into a real destination for supporters before kick-off, and having a quality local brewery like Siren involved is another important part of that.

“We're looking forward to working closely with the Siren team throughout the season, including some fun activations for Royals fans along the way.”

Andy Nowlan of Siren Craft Brew added: “We're incredibly proud to be officially connected to Reading FC. Our customers, teams and local community have overlapped for so long, it feels like a very natural fit, and a privilege as an independent brewery to have this opportunity. Royals fans can expect not just brewery-fresh beer on matchdays in the Fan Zone, but plenty of other rewards and surprises throughout the season.

"We can't wait to get started!”

Siren is kicking things off by offering Royals season ticket holders free fries with their pints on matchdays at the brewery's town centre tap room, with more offers hitting member's inboxes this week.

sirencraftbrew.com

Celebrate International Literacy Day with Food, Drink, and Community

Every year on 8 September, people across the globe come together to mark International Literacy Day, a day dedicated to promoting reading, writing, and access to education. 

While it is often recognised through school programmes and literacy initiatives, you can also celebrate in your own community or at home by bringing people together with food, drink, and a shared love of books.

Why Celebrate with a Party?

Literacy is more than just the ability to read and write — it opens doors to opportunity, culture, and connection. Hosting a party not only shines a spotlight on this important cause but also makes it fun and memorable. A gathering with food and drink encourages conversation, storytelling, and of course, book sharing.

Themed Party Ideas

Book Club Feast: Ask everyone to bring a dish inspired by their favourite novel. From Harry Potter’s pumpkin pasties to Paddington’s marmalade sandwiches, there’s so much inspiration to be found in literature.

Alphabet Buffet: Create a menu where every dish starts with a different letter of the alphabet. It’s playful, educational, and a great icebreaker.

Literary Tea Party: Brew teas inspired by famous books and pair them with cakes, scones, or biscuits. Guests can read aloud from their favourite authors while enjoying a cosy setting.

Cocktails & Classics: For an adult evening, design a cocktail menu inspired by famous literary works — think “Gatsby Gimlet” or “Sherlock’s Scotch.”

Book-Inspired Food Ideas

Here are some dishes that will delight readers and eaters alike:

Pumpkin Pasties (Harry Potter) – Mini puff pastry parcels filled with spiced pumpkin or squash.

Turkish Delight (The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe) – Sweet, rose-flavoured squares that tempt Edmund in Narnia.

Marmalade Sandwiches (Paddington Bear) – Fun, nostalgic finger sandwiches perfect for children and adults.

Green Eggs and Ham (Dr Seuss) – A quirky breakfast or appetiser twist using avocado-dyed eggs.

Madeleines (In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust) – Perfect for a literary afternoon tea.

Cocktail & Mocktail Suggestions

The Great Gatsby Gimlet – A refreshing gin, lime, and soda cocktail, served in a coupe glass.

Sherlock’s Pipe – A whisky-based cocktail with a hint of smoked cinnamon for drama.

Anne Shirley’s Raspberry Cordial (Anne of Green Gables) – A non-alcoholic fruity punch that’s sweet and vibrant.

Alice’s Tea Party Punch – A fun mocktail with Earl Grey tea, lemonade, and a dash of elderflower.

Moby-Dick White Whale Martini – A creamy white chocolate martini for adventurous adults.

Food and Drink as Conversation Starters

Sharing food encourages guests to relax, while book-inspired dishes or drinks spark conversation about favourite authors, memorable characters, and personal reading journeys. You could even pair dishes with short readings, encouraging guests to discover new genres and writers.

Adding a Charitable Twist

International Literacy Day is also an opportunity to support those who struggle with reading. Consider asking guests to donate a book, contribute to a local literacy charity, or help fundraise for organisations that promote reading skills worldwide. A table for donated books can easily become the heart of the event.

Making It Personal

For families, a smaller gathering with themed snacks and a storytime session can be a wonderful way to get children excited about reading. For friends, it could be an excuse to revisit old favourites or discover new writers together over drinks.

Closing Thought

Celebrating International Literacy Day with food, drink, and community is a meaningful way to remind ourselves that reading connects us all. Whether with a tea party, a literary feast, or a book-inspired cocktail evening, your party can turn the power of words into shared joy and lasting memories.