There is something brewing in North Hinksey as a team of lawyers quit the chambers to concoct 'criminally good beer.'

In December last year Paul Humpherson, Amy Taylor and Tess Taylor opened the doors to their new brewery, Tap Social Movement.

Nestled in the Curtis Industrial Estate the trio had been frustrated by the lack of opportunities for people 'stuck in the system' and wanted to create a work place that is open minded.

All in their 20s, they vowed to set a precedence in their newly-chosen industry by offering fully accredited qualifications for co-workers who will be learning the brewery ropes alongside them.

In their research they found that the brewing industry is very open-minded and so could not think of a better environment to begin breaking down social barriers.

Mr Humpherson, a criminal barrister, said: "Having experience in a range of positions across the criminal justice system, we have all witnessed the difficulty people face when trying to turn their lives around after coming into contact with the law.

"There is a lack of support and assistance available to navigate complicated career pathways, and criminal records often dissuade employers from hiring otherwise eligible candidates.

"Many of the people we have worked with, especially those who have spent time in prison, struggle to access education, training and employment, hindering their rehabilitation, and drawing them back into a life of crime.

"Tap Social Movement Ltd. was founded in an attempt to stop this vicious cycle by providing opportunities which set people up for long-term fulfilling employment."

Already youngsters from the young offenders prison HM Cookham Wood have already created original artwork for the bottles.

In February work experience and training programmes in brewing and business start-ups for people serving prison sentences were launched.

The team is also offering one-on-one support to help people find permanent employment including help with CVs, interviews and career planning with those on their training programmes.

He added: "The brewery will manufacture and distribute craft beers created using the traditional infusion mashing technique and the best available malted barley, cereals and hops from Oxfordshire farms wherever possible.

"Finished beers will be sold directly to customers in the city and wider Oxfordshire and also to Oxford University's college bars.

"We are really excited about this project and hope the local community can get behind us on it.

"This is a great opportunity to provide vital support to help some people change their lives around."

Co-founder and director Ms Taylor, who started a PhD in criminology at Oxford University, said: "My partners and I all have experience working across the criminal justice system on the front line as well as a keen knowledge of the brewing industry.

"We are working with local community rehabilitation companies and prisons to secure placements on a number of different work streams including brewing as well as marketing, branding and packaging and distribution.

"The movement grew out of a passion for good beer and social justice."

They will be using a traditional infusion mashing technique with a modern approach to the ancient art of brewing.

On board to help them create their ales is head brewer Jason Bolger who is currently concocting a number of Belgian-style sour beers.

Back home in the United States Mr Bolger trained at the Siebel institute of Technology in Chicago and is continuing his studies at the Institute of Brewing and Distilling in London.

Mr Humpherson said the brewing will be a "natural and low-tech process" with little waste that cannot be recycled.

The range on offer includes pale ale and stout, as well as sour ales.

Tap Social uses water, malt, hops and yeast to brew the beers, and adds fruit, herbs and spices for the flavour.

Beers from the brewery will be sold directly to free houses, pub groups, clubs and bars and will also be available at craft beer shops and other retailers.

In spring the team plan to offer brewing courses for individuals and groups.

For more information visit: tapsocialmovement.com