BROTHERS BECOME BREWERS
Ribble Valley Revealed catches up with brothers James and Andrew Warburton to find out about their plans for Bowland Brewery
Brothers James and Andrew Warburton are no strangers to the pub and beer trade, James runs the James’ Places group of companies that include the Emporium in Clitheroe, Mitton Hall and the Waddington Arms, while Andrew has been the owner and manager of the Lower Buck in Waddington for the last eight years.
One of their most recent acquisitions is Bowland Brewery, which they purchased last year.
Andrew explained: “As soon as we knew the brewery may be for sale, we knew we had to do the deal.”
Richard Baker was the original founder of the Bowland Beer Company, and the head brewer and genius behind iconic beers such as Hen Harrier and Sawley Tempted.
“Bowland beers have been on our bars for almost as long as Richard has been brewing them,” continued Andrew.
“We have always had the utmost respect for him. Creating such a strong brand, with great products, from scratch is a minor miracle. We now want to continue to work with Richard to move the brewery on to the next stage and fulfill its undoubted potential.”
In March the brothers’ expansion plans got underway with their own little industrial revolution, moving the brewery from its original home in Bashall Barn to the Holmes Mill complex in Clitheroe.
Complete with mill chimney, the complex will eventually feature a beer hall and brewery tap, a function room and a live music venue.
The previously redundant site will be completely restored and will also feature retail shops, studios, apartments and offices.
The brewery move earlier this year went smoothly and within a matter of days the equipment and machinery was back up and running, with no disruption to production.
Andrew explained that it has been business as usual for Bowland, adding: “We’re concentrating on brewing and delivering great tasting beer to our customers and in keeping with Richard’s philosophy, producing seasonal beers too.”
Bowland Brewery beers are currently stocked locally by the Inn at Whitewell, The Eagle at Barrow and The Spread Eagle at Sawley amongst many others along with James’ Places venues. There are also bottles and mini casks available at Byrnes & Co, Bashall Barn, the Whalley Wine Shop plus James and Andrew are hoping to build on the long standing relationship the brewery already has with James Hall – better known as Spar convenience stores, where Bowland Beers have been stocked for many years.
James added: “It’s all change at the Emporium too. After many years of having a limited beer offering a positive side effect of bringing the brewery into the group is the addition of a new cellar. This will now allow us to offer Bowland Brewery beers in all of our flagship properties.”
Another new addition to the Bowland Brewery name is the Bowland Brewery Bus – a 1967 Routemaster London bus in its original livery.
Andrew and James have purchased the bus, which will pop up at festivals selling craft ales – the bus has an ‘open-up’ bar downstairs and seating upstairs.
A quirky addition to any event, it is expected that demand for the outside bar will be high over the coming summer months – and a perfect focal point for a country wedding or festival.
