Meet The Mill Team
Mirek (Founder)
Mirek Aldridge is the founder and driving force behind The Mill. What began as a passion for brewing quickly evolved into something much bigger - a brewery built on independence, creativity, and a love of good beer shared with good friends. From the early days of small-batch experimentation to establishing The Mill as a respected name in the local scene, Mirek has remained hands-on, shaping everything from the beers themselves to the culture that surrounds them.
Manning (Sales)
Manning Blanchard brings extensive experience across the beer industry, with a deep understanding of both the product and the people who drink it. Having worked across a range of roles, he knows exactly how to connect great beer with the right venues and audiences. Equal parts relationship-builder and industry insider, Manning plays a key role both in keeping operations running smoothly and in getting The Mill’s beers into your glass.
Eli (Head Brewer)
Eli Haines leads the brewhouse with a depth of experience gained across both New Zealand and Australia. His approach balances technical precision with a genuine curiosity for flavour, drawing on diverse brewing environments to inform his craft. Whether refining core styles or pushing into new territory, Eli is focused on consistency, drinkability, and beers that speak for themselves.
Jackson (Brewer)
Jackson Potter has been part of The Mill’s story for over a decade, working alongside founder Mirek since the early days. A childhood friend and longtime collaborator, he has helped shape the brewery from its earliest iterations into what it is today. Jackson is known for his love of wordplay as he is for his brewing, always responsible for a great pun or two behind the scenes.
Larissa (Marketing)
With a background in creative and digital production, Larissa Spijkerbosch looks after our marketing, design and events. She helps shape The Mill’s brand and presence across platforms, keeping things feeling genuine and connected. Larissa keeps the brand humming, so everything we do feels recognisably The Mill.