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History of the Brewery |
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| The West Berkshire Brewery was established in 1995 by David and Helen Maggs in a converted stable block, formerly part of the Frilsham brickworks, at the rear of the Potkiln pub. |
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| The original brewery housed a small, five-barrel plant (a brewing barrel is 36 gallons and is the equivalent of 4 firkins – the container which goes to the pub) and the first brew was struck on 25th August 1995. |
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| By 1997 it was clear that a greater capacity was needed and planning permission was granted to build a larger brewery at the Old Bakery in Yattendon, just one mile away. The bulk of the brewing was then carried out at the new site, but the Potkiln house beer and some short-run brews continued to be brewed at the Frilsham site. |
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| In 1998 Andrew and Karen Baum, long-standing friends of Dave and Helen, became partners in the company, bringing with them business, financial and some marketing expertise that has helped to move the business forward to its current level. |
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| In 2005 we renovated the shop at the front of the site for retail use to stock bottled beers – both our own and some guest ales – and other brewery merchandise together with some local crafts. |
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| In that same year we acquired our first pub – the Rising Sun at Stockcross, near Newbury. Now run by Stuart and Nicola Bagley, the Rising Sun is a friendly, community local once again with an immensely improved food offer. Call the pub on 01488 608131 if you would like to book a table or if you would like your team or social group to meet up there for a meal or coffee. |
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| In 2006 we extended the buildings at Yattendon to create more storage space and installed a brand new brewery and then in 2007 a small bar was added to the side of the shop to act as a hospitality area for brewery tours etc. |
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| Having stretched the capacity of our brewhouse in Yattendon to bursting point, In 2012 we have now moved to a new 50 barrel brewery at the Flour Barn, Frilsham Home Farm Business Units, literally just around the corner from the old site. We have installed a wetland drainage system (reed bed) to help us minimise our effect on the environment. Our roomy new office and shop are a great improvement too. |
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| We now have a total of 12 full-time and part-time staff working at the brewery and three delivery vehicles - or drays - together with one small 1960s Morris Minor pick-up van known as Dray No. 4. The pick-up bears the brewery livery and can often be seen at shows or out and about making the occasional delivery. Steve Kirby, the transport manager, lovingly maintains the pick-up and will only bring it out if there is absolutely no chance of rain! |
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