Lancaster Brewing Company

Up Holland brewer Al Branagan supplies House of Commons with West Lancashire ...

Jul 21 2011 by Gemma Jaleel, Skelmersdale Advertiser

AN Up Holland beer is being served up as a guest ale in the House of Commons.

Al and Tracy Branagan brew their own ales from their micro-brewery on Tower Hill Road and went down to London to deliver the Stranger’s Bar, barrels of their best bitter, aptly named Tower Hill.

Al told the Advertiser: “We were made up when we heard our beer was wanted in the Houses of Parliament.

“Rosie Cooper got in touch with us, she’s into her real ale and she wanted to nominate our beer.”

The husband and wife team have been together for 18 years and married for four and took on the business after the previous owner retired.

Al, 39, said: “The brewery is 10 years old this year and we took over in 2007 from a guy called Stuart Thompson.

“He was head brewer for the likes of Robinsons and Boddingtons in his time, and he taught me how to brew.”

Situated in a converted barn on Wellcross Farm, The Mayflower Brewery is brewing to capacity as orders have been flooding in.

Al said: “I might even have to move to larger premises soon, the business is really taking off. Every week we are producing 24 nine gallon barrels of ale. It’s crazy.

“I love being able to get some malt, water, hops and yeast and looking after the process from start to finish – it’s very satisfying.

“Of course it’s a scientific process but you get a feel for how a beer should look, taste and smell.”

Al and Tracy also brew Douglas Valley, Red Eye, Wigan Bier and their Lancashire Stout even scooped Champion Beer of Lancashire 2011 Lancaster Beer Festival.

“It was a real honour and privilege to be asked to supply our local brew to the House of Commons.

“At Mayflower we pride ourselves on being part of the local community and our ethos is about being local. About 99% of sales are within a couple miles radius of the brewery.

West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper said: ““It is very rare that you will find me in the bars in Parliament but it was a pleasure to go along to the Strangers Bar for half a pint of best bitter that was brewed right here in West Lancashire, our very own Tower Hill.

“It is vital that we support micro-breweries like Mayflower. There is a real craft and dedication to the art of brewing great beers. I am pretty sure that the regulars and visitors to the bar will have enjoyed their pint of Tower Hill. I would say to all West Lancashire residents that if you’re out for a pint and you see a Mayflower beer then give it a try and support our local brewers.

The Millvale Brew Fest: Raising a Beer in Support | Back and Gold ...

Craft beer drinkers will be in suds heaven at the fifth annual Millvale Brew Fest at the Millvale Riverfront Park on Saturday, August 13.

With over 30 craft and local breweries attending the fifth installment of the annual event, there will be a brew for every one that attends.

The first Millvale Brew Fest was held in 2007 with 120 drinkers enjoying beers from 25 breweries.

The idea behind it was to raise money for the Millvale MainStreet and Millvale Borough Development Corporation, a nonprofit that has been working to help the recovery from the devastating flooding that occurred when Hurricane Ivan swept through.  Money raised from the Millvale Brewfest helps with developing housing and business projects.

In 2008, the organizers changed the format to include only craft and local breweries, and the response was incredible.  More than 200 drinkers enjoyed 55 brews.  The popularity of this event has blossomed every year and 2011’s version will not disappoint.

Like I mentioned in the opening, the Millvale Brew Fest is Saturday, August 13 at the Millvale Riverfront Park.  Besides the tasty brews from over 30 breweries, there will be music, food and prizes.

You can attend Brew Fest by buying tickets in advance on the website for $30 (+$2 shipping and handling) while tickets will be $35 on the day of the event.  If you are going to be the designated driver, you can purchase a food only ticket for $12 in advances on the website  or $15 at the door.  Click here to purchase tickets in advanced .

The festivities are split into two sessions.  The First Session runs from 1:00 to 4:00 pm and the Second Session runs from 5:00-8:00 pm.

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