Loughborough & North Leicestershire CAMRA

Beer Festival Workers Trip - August 2019

For branch members who worked at the Loughborough Beer Festival back in March, a trip was organised to the Leatherbritches Brewery located near Smisby (Ashby de la Zouch).

16 Members met at the Organ Grinder Loughborough, our branch pub of the year, for a beer from the Blue Monkey range, before the outward journey by two 8 seater taxis. On our arrival we were greeted by Eddie Allingham who's known as The Mad Brewer. 

The brewery was started by the family at The Bentley Brook Hotel, Fenny Bentley near Ashbourne Derbyshire back in 1994. In 2007 the beers were brewed at various locations before the brewery moved to the present location in the yard of The Tap House, Smisby in 2011. 

At the brewery, various beers were on offer as well as cider for those who preferred it. Don't ask me to name the beers as I had too good a night to remember any of them, except they were certainly excellent.

Eddie gave a talk on the brewery and the direction of the brewing business in the ever competitive and challenging times. Having your own bottling plant is a big advantage to get your products in the supermarkets as many drink at home rather than the pub which is sad for the pub scene. Eddie certainly has a deep knowledge of the brewing process and of the ingredients to make excellent beer.

After a few more beers and food which consisted of ham from a joint, bread rolls and Eddie's special baked beans, our taxis rolled up for our return journey home.

 A good night was had by all and I would like to thank Eddie for a great night.

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