The West Berkshire Brewery was established in 1995 by Dave and Helen Maggs in a converted stable block which was formerly part of the old Frilsham Brickworks, at  the rear of the Potkiln pub. The original brew plant was a small 5-barrel plant (A brewing barrel is 36 gallons, or 4 firkins that go to the pub) and the first brew was on the 25th of August that year.

By 1997 it became clear that greater capacity was needed and planning permission was granted to build a larger brewery at the Old Bakery in Yattendon, one mile away. The bulk of the brewing was then carried out at the new site, but the Potkiln house beer and other one-off beers continued to be brewed at the Frilsham site. In 1998 Andrew and Karen Baum, long-standing friends of Dave and Helen, became partners in the company, bringing with them business, financial, and marketing  expertise that has helped to take the business forward to its current level.

A small bar was added to the side of the shop in 2007 to act as a hospitality area for brewery tours etc. We now have a total of nine full-time and part-time staff working at the brewery and two delivery vehicles, or drays, together with one small Morris Minor pick-up van known as Dray No.1 shown below, which can be seen at many shows both locally and further afield.

At The West Berkshire Brewery we are constantly looking to improve in all areas and have set training policies for staff to achieve qualifications both within the brewery and by attending brewing training courses. We have already started discussions on future expansion although we will always see ourselves – and hope you do too – as your local brewery.