Return to News Page

Blooming Brewery

It is not only the flowers that are appearing in Derbyshire this Spring as Thornbridge brewery’s new site emerges in Bakewell. “Although our brewery is only just over four years old we have been at full capacity for most of that time” says MD Jim Harrison. Planning and building a new brewery was Thorn response to that demand. Jim continues “we began planning the new brewery with a determination to use the best technology available but also to ensure our brewing team maintain hands on control of the process so that we have a brewery that allows creativity; the foundation of our success to date”.

Thorn success in winning over 80 awards since its first brew has been spearheaded by Head Brewer, Stefano Cossi. Stefano has also led on the specification for the new brewery based on his research across the brewing world and resulting in a bespoke 30 barrel plant and bottling line that will be in production by July. “The process has been hard work” reports Stefano “but also incredibly interesting as the many breweries I have visited and spoken to have been very open about sharing what and how they brew”. Stefano acknowledges that many challenges will lie ahead but he is confident “that the brewing team can produce even better, more exciting beers than we they done so far”.

Whilst the current site can produce some 700,000 pints per year the new 1250 sq metre site has the potential to produce 8 million. Kelly Ryan, Thornbridge  Brewery Manager, is particularly looking forward to developing the brewery’s range of bottled beers “we have had some success with bottled beers to date but the new processes we are putting in place will, we believe, raise the standards with fuller flavours and more aromas being retained”.       

The existing brewery at Thornbridge will continue in use and become the focal point for beer experimentation explains Stefano “it will give us a great  opportunity to use a range of natural ingredients, many that are from the local area in developing new and unique beers”.        

In addition to increasing UK sales the expansion will allow the brewery to further its export business as well as providing scope for an on-site shop and possible visitor’s centre. Up to 6 new jobs will be created.

 Notes:

The first Thornbridge craft beers were produced in February 2005 in the 10 barrel brewery, housed in the grounds of Thornbridge Hall, near Bakewell, Derbyshire. Based on the innovation, passion and knowledge of their brewers Thornbridge aims to produce high quality beers using the best natural ingredients. Their range of cask and bottled beers has gained considerable success with over 80 awards being won including 35 for its Jaipur IPA (Including Gold Medal Strong Bitter GBBF 2008).

Contact:

Alex Buchanan

Thornbridge Brewery

Thornbridge Hall

Ashford in the Water

Derbyshire DE45 1NZ

01629 64 1000 (O), 07900 416 812 (ME)

Email: alex@thornbridgebrewery.co.uk

Website: www.thornbridgebrewery.co.uk

top