Beers

Current : Auld Hemp, Nel’s Best, Matfen Magic

Planned : Ferocious Fred and Red Shep are currently available.


Capacity (no change since last report)

Still brewing twice, sometimes three times, a week, brewery is a 10-barrel plant.

Outlets

The brewery now has an arrangement with Wetherspoons and they are doing “mini beer festivals” in a number of Wetherspoon outlets, and other pubs, where all of the available beers are on sale, plus the brewery provide leaflets, beer mats, and other brewery information. One of these festivals is to take place at the Cumberland, Byker on the last weekend in November, with another probable in the Free Trade Inn. Each of these festivals take between 10 and 18 casks. The brewery now also has a contract to supply the Hotel du Vin in Newcastle.

Distribution

Currently on Sir John Fitzgerald, Flying Firkin, Beer Seller, and now Wetherspoons lists.

Other

The recent brew of Cyril the Magnificent definitely was a new beer for the tickers – the recipe was slightly changed with a different hop used. The Bishop of Newcastle took 1200 bottles of Cyril, which was used to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the diocese. Due to increasing cask sales and a shortage of hops, Matfen Magic is not always available, and Black Moss, the winter beer, will not be available until the new year.

Steve Urwin is still heavily involved with Business Link. The farm manager’s suspected heart attack turned out to be a false alarm – he is now back at work Michael Harker is still head brewer, and Sally Urwin is still managing the brewery.

Trade at the Visitor Centre has been disappointing during the week due to the recent bad weather, and it has been decided to only open the centre at weekends. The number of special occasions, such as wedding receptions and private parties, are increasing steadily. Christmas bookings are also going well with very few evenings spare in December.