Ambitious pair brewing plan for further success

Dec 1 2009 By Chris Knox, The Journal

The couple were advised by Newcastle solicitors Clarke Mairs LLP.

Partner Tim Clarke said: "I felt very passionate about Heather and Gary buying the business as, with them living locally, we all felt the need to keep the business local.

"They have a wealth of experience in the trade and I have no doubt they will continue to grow the business as an award-winning attraction."

The brewery uses malt barley grown at the farm to produce real ale while spent grains are fed back to livestock on the farm.

Seven years ago Mr Urwin realised that a dependence on sheep and cattle may not sustain livelihoods over an extended period of quarantine and restrictions, so he upgraded his home-brewing skills to professional status by studying on a start-up brewing course at Brewlab, the Sunderland University brewing sciences arm.

The visitors’ centre is in the converted 19th Century granary and byre and includes a shop selling cask and bottled ales and polybins, as well as handmade beer chocolates, preserves, toiletries and arts and crafts from local producers.

The centre includes a real ale bar and café as well as a function room, which can be hired out to small groups.

Mrs Scott said: "Steve has turned the brewery into a thriving business and we want to make sure that it lives up to its potential for years to come."

The beers have won awards including CAMRA Regional Awards and SIBA Regional and National Awards.