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Trip to Dow Bridge Brewery & the Cherry Tree Inn, Catthorpe

Thursday 19^th October 2006 was a step into the unknown for the Sub-Branch, as, from what I recall, this was our first brewery trip. Russ the owner/brewer/cleaner/tester and any other job that brewing entails had arranged to meet us in The Cherry Tree at Catthorpe. The visit was not a certainty as the brewery was undergoing some building work.

Fourteen of us mounted the trusty old steed and arrived at The Cherry Tree at 8.00pm, and were greeted by a selection of real ale including Ratae’d & Bonum Mild from Dow Bridge.

Russ joined us and after a quick pint (or two) it was decided that, due to the building work, two parties of seven would have a visit and be guinea pigs for tasting a new IPA that he had been commissioned to brew.

After the first party had set off, the seven remaining settled down for another beer and made our acquaintance with Phil the landlord.

This entailed a short visit to his cellar where he is very proud of his permanent supply of four real ales available at any time for the customers of Leicestershire’s most southerly pub. He also sold to a few of us the idea of popping over there on a Sunday lunch time to try his roast dinner, where he serves only locally farmed produce, at a reasonable price.

Anyway after our interesting 30 minutes it was time to make our way along the dark country lane, guided by Russ’s two able assistants to the brewery. I am glad that they were there as I doubt that we would have found the brewery without them.

As we arrived the previous seven were ejected, along with a comment from Norman saying that he had drunk all of the IPA.

The seven of us were then invited to sample and give honest opinions of the new brew. A history lesson was then imparted as to the origins of Dow Bridge; it’s naming and association with Leicestershire.

After a final taste of the IPA, a short walk back to the Cherry Tree was undertaken, being led by Steve, who was by this time bursting!

Back at The Cherry Tree we were again met by Norman, who now said that he had eaten all of the rolls that were very kindly supplied by Phil and his good lady Sue.

The evening was rounded off with more fine ale and the odd roll or two.

It was then back on to the trusty steed for the return journey.

Big thanks must go to Russ and Phil, of the Brewery and Pub respectively for their hospitality & to Neil our driver. It was also a pleasure to see our newest recruits joining us and enjoying their first brewery trip.

I have no doubt that you will get a feel for the Brewery from the pictures that were taken by our branch photographer, Chris.

Until the Next One.

 Phill Wholton.

Russ with Mike our Pubs Officer	Listening intently to Russ	The two groups change over
Cherry Tree, Catthorpe	Beer behind bars! - the cellar at the Cherry Tree	Brewery vessels

Photos by Chris Davies

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