Business Profile
The West Berkshire Brewery - Truly local pint from a truly local brewery
14th February 2008
ARE you acquainted with ‘Mr Chubbs’? Have you encountered a ‘Good Old Boy’ during a night out on the town? These are just two of the most popular beers produced by the West Berkshire Brewery, a company thriving in its 13th years as this family run business attracts ever more loyal customers.
Founded and run by Dave and Helen Maggs and a loyal team of long standing employees, the small brewery succeeds where the huge drinks conglomerates fail by offer quality and choice from a truly local supplier; all its beers are brewed at its base in Yattendon and whenever possible use local ingredients, before being sent out to local pubs.
“We have around 120 regular customers,” explained Mr Maggs. “We supply pubs, clubs, restaurants, art centres and farm shops in a 40-mile radius including Oxford, Reading, and occasionally we even go to London, but sadly Newbury is the hardest place in the world for us to get into. Almost all outlets are tied to PubCos or national breweries, but luckily we can supply our beers to The Red House in the town.
“We would love to be supplying venues in Newbury. There are schemes to allow our beers to guest in Enterprise Inns and Avebury Taverns, but it rarely happens. Hopefully this will change. ‘Local’ is becoming very important, and while we want to grow, we always want to remain the local brewery.
“There are very few truly local breweries left in the area. People do start micro breweries, but it is very hard work. We have grown and invested in equipment and hope to continue to grow.”
The uniquely-named beers produced by the brewery have attracted a slew of more than 20 awards including Silver at the Great British Beer Festival and a Gold from the Society of Independent Brewers National competition.
Of course, one place where thirsty punters can always be sure to find the finest beers from the West Berkshire Brewery is at its own pub, The Rising Sun at Stockcross, which scooped West Berkshire Pub of the Year in 2007. The Castle, and Spotted Dog at Cold Ash, The Bell at Aldworth, The Crown and Garter at Inkpen... the list goes on. Of course it is possible to buy from the brewery’s own shop in Yattendon where a host of merchandise and memorabilia is sold, or pop into Fortnum and Mason in London, another stockist.
What if someone visits their local and discovers there are no West Berkshire Brewery beers? “Ask the landlord,” said Mr Maggs. “We have been invited to pubs simply because people ask for our beers, so if you don’t see them please do ask the landlord why not, and we could be supplying your local soon too.”
The West Berkshire Brewery
Tel: (01635) 202968
Web: www.wbbrew.co.uk
E-mail: info@wbbrew.co.uk
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