Nethergate Brewery

Last updated

Nethergate Brewery
Industry Alcoholic beverage
Founded1986
Headquarters Long Melford, Suffolk
England
Products Beer
OwnerIndependent

Nethergate Brewery & Distillery, founded in 1986 by Ian Hornsey and Dick Burge, stands as a distinguished microbrewery deeply rooted in Suffolk's rich beer heritage. Born out of dissatisfaction with local brews, the brewery gained acclaim with flagship creations like Suffolk County and Old Growler. A notable resurgence in 2014 under Dick Burge's leadership saw the revival of the community-focused business. Located in Long Melford since 2017, the brewery expanded its facilities and offerings, including the introduction of Venture.

Contents

Originating in a Suffolk tavern, it has evolved into a thriving enterprise while staying true to core values. The dream of founders Ian and Dick to craft beers for community enjoyment has not only been realised but exceeded expectations.

Nethergate Brewery's dedication to growth and community engagement led to the conversion of a historic 200-year-old property in Bury St Edmunds into a shop and taproom. This picturesque location stands as a representation of the brewery's heritage, offering patrons an immersive Nethergate experience.

With over 800 Nethergate members, a vibrant site & taproom in Long Melford, and the inviting Bury St Edmunds shop and bar, the business is well-embedded in the Suffolk community.

Brewing History

Nethergate Brewery is a renowned British microbrewery with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1986. Established by two old school friends, Ian Hornsey and Dick Burge, the brewery originated from a shared disappointment with the local beer offerings. Fueled by a passion for beer and their expertise as experienced homebrewers, Ian and Dick embarked on a journey to establish a real ale legacy in the heart of Suffolk.

In 1986, the duo acquired a 10-barrel Peter Austin microbrewery located on Clare's vibrant High Street, naming it Nethergate Brewery in honor of its local heritage. The brewery's flagship beer, Suffolk County, made its debut in 1987, captivating local ale enthusiasts with its rich chestnut flavor. The iconic Christmas Cracker, later renamed Old Growler, became a seasonal highlight and achieved acclaim with awards such as the Overall Champion title at the CAMRA Winter Festival and the Supreme Champion award at the Chicago International Beer Festival.

The success of Old Growler and Suffolk County paved the way for Nethergate Brewery to explore innovative brewing techniques. Between 1995 and 2000, the brewery introduced a remarkable selection of seasonal ales, including Golden Gate, Umbel Ale, Augustinian, and Umbel Magna, earning acclaim for their distinctive tastes.

In 2004, responding to the rising popularity of their beers, Nethergate Brewery moved production to a larger facility on a farm in Pentlow, Essex. This expansion not only included a larger brewing plant but also an increase in team size, with notable additions such as Tom Knox and Ian Carson. The dedication to quality earned the brewery widespread acclaim and numerous awards.

As Ian and Dick approached retirement, a new management team took over in 2010, ushering in a period of bold rebranding and expansion. The brewery transitioned to Growler Brewery, introduced new projects, and explored unconventional beer varieties. However, this shift led to financial difficulties and a departure from the brewery's core identity.

In 2014, Dick Burge and a passionate team of pioneers reclaimed Nethergate Brewery, marking a resurgence for the brand. Classic brews, including Old Growler, Golden Gate, and Augustinian, were resurrected, and the brewery focused on consistently producing exceptional beer. A move to a larger facility in Long Melford in 2017 allowed for further expansion and the introduction of new beers, such as Venture.

The years that followed saw the brewery's continued growth, with the acquisition of unique stills in 2020 and the launch of Melford's Gin in 2021. In 2024, Nethergate Brewery stands as a testament to passion, resilience, and community engagement. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and community, Nethergate Brewery looks to the future with pride and excitement, crafting experiences, nurturing traditions, and building a legacy deeply connected to its patrons and community.

Notable Beers

Nethergate's core range currently consists of four real ales, a lager and a low alcoholic craft beer:

The brewery also produce a number of seasonal beers including:

The Brewery also has a sub brand which beer is available in cans. Growling Dog

Awards

Nethergate have had notable success in the 'Speciality' category of CAMRA's Champion Beer of Britain awards, with Umbel Magna winning the category three times (2007, 2009, 2013) and Umbel Ale winning in 2000

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