Beers

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

Planned : Ferocious Fred expected out again next week, Red Shep expected out again by the end of October or early November


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 planned for the Cumberland, Byker in November, with another possible in the Free Trade Inn. Each of these festivals take between 10 and 18 casks.

Distribution

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

Other

At the recent Berwick Beer Festival, Nel’s Best won Best in Class award for Best Bitters.

A recent brew of Cyril the Magnificent sold out virtually immediately, even though the brewery had to use a different hop, and turned out slightly lighter – would have been a new beer for the tickers! There may be another brew of the latest beer, Farmers Pride, as a number of pubs have been requesting it.

Steve Urwin is still heavily involved with Business Link, but is now involved with running the farm again due to the manager having a suspected heart attack! Michael Harker is still head brewer, and Sally Urwin is still managing the brewery.

The Visitor Centre is still extremely busy, and restaurant bookings remain high. The number of special occasions, such as wedding receptions and private parties, are increasing steadily. Christmas bookings are also going well.

After reporting that the brewery’s sales were running at 2% above last year’s figures, I am pleased to report that, due mainly to the “mini beer festivals”, sales are now at 4% above last year’s figures.