The Story of Hesket Newmarket Brewery

A short history of the Hesket Newmarket Brewery chronicling the changes that have happened since its inception, outlining the alterations currently in progress and having a brief look to the future.

The brewery was first set up in 1988 by Jim and Liz Fearnley, who at that time ran the Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket, in a converted barn at the back of the pub. The beers were brewed exclusively for the Old Crown, which soon became a Mecca for real ale enthusiasts.

As the brewery's reputation spread across Cumbria, a number of other pubs expressed interest in the beers, and a small network of loyal outlets was gradually established. In 1995 Jim and Liz decided to sell the Old Crown and concentrate on the brewery. Together with Mark Graham and Arthur Walby, they continued to expand their range of beers into one of the widest in the country.

When the Fearnley's announced their intention to retire in 1999, a group of local enthusiasts came together to work out how best they could ensure the survival of the brewery in the village. So was born the Hesket Newmarket Brewery Cooperative, a community enterprise run on democratic and voluntary principles, through which around 70 real ale enthusiasts (who either live locally or have local connections) own equal shares in the brewery. After a successful first year, most shareholders opted to receive their dividend in liquid form! The cooperative also intends to channel a share of future profits into community projects.

Mark ran the brewery on behalf of the cooperative, winning a special award from Solway CAMRA for 'high quality brewing', until he chose to leave in 2002. He will be best remembered by many for his formulation of the superb Helvellyn Gold bitter. After a long search, the brewery was lucky to persuade Mike Parker, previously Head Brewer at the (slightly) larger Stones Brewery, to take over as Brewery Manager. Together with Arthur, and more recently Paul Johnson, Mike has undertaken a major redevelopment of most of the brewery’s plant and facilities.

The original modified dairy tanks have been replaced by a completely new brewing plant capable of producing 50 barrels (nearly 15000 pints) a week. Alongside this a brand new temperature controlled storage facility has been built – the picture shows Prince Charles opening this in 2004 - and new levels of quality and consistency have been achieved.

The cooperative was awarded grant funding to support these projects from the Cumbria Fells and Dales LEADER+ programme.

Small scale bottling of some of the most popular beers commenced in early 2006 – bottles are available from the brewery and many of our outlets – and in the near future a small visitor centre will be opened to cater for the increased demand for brewery tours. Watch this space for details.