OUR HISTORY
John Jennings Snr., a local
farmer whose father William Jennings was a master maltster by trade,
started brewing way back in 1828 in the pretty Lake District village of
Lorton, between Keswick and Cockermouth. John's son, John Jennings Jnr.,
was also involved in his father's business, but in 1881 control was
divided between John Jennings Jnr's three sons, Joseph Henry Jennings,
Isaac Gaitskill Jennings and John Brown Jennings
This was the origin of the Company name, Jennings Brothers, when in 1887
it converted to a limited company. Today Jennings Brothers plc is the only
long standing independent brewer and pub operator in the Lake District.
By 1874, the Company had outgrown its home brewed origins and moved to its
present idyllic location in the quaint market town of Cockermouth.
The Castle Brewery site is in the shadow of historic Cockermouth Castle,
from which it takes its name, at the point where the river Cocker and
Derwent merge.
The water used for the brewing is still drawn from the original well
source which supplied the castle with pure water around the time of the
Norman Conquest.
Traditional brewing methods are used to brew beers and only the finest raw
materials are added, including British malt, English hops, sugar and
yeast.
From the 16 licensed outlets in 1887, the Company's estate has grown to
over 180 pubs. Still largely based in the Lake District, the estate now
stretches to Lancashire, Cheshire, Yorkshire and the North East of
England.
All the Company's pubs retain their own very individual identity and
characteristics, with many of them influenced by the uniquely beautiful
landscape and villages in which they are situated.
Considerable investment ensures that consistently high standards are
maintained in drinking environments, catering operations and accommodation.
Jennings have been brewing
traditional beers in Cumbria for over 170 years. We still use the same
methods that were used by our founder as long ago as 1828 in the small
Cumbrian village of Lorton.
Since 1874 we have been brewing at our current home. The Castle Brewery,
in the quaint market town of Cockermouth. The Brewery is sited in the
shadow of historic Cockermouth Castle at the confluence of the River
Cocker and River Derwent.
As the last remaining independent brewing company in Cumbria, we are
rightly proud of our Cumbrian heritage, our beers and our brewery. But why
take our word for it? Why not visit Castle Brewery and enjoy one of our
brewery tours?
Our 1.5 hour Brewery Tour takes you around Castle Brewery and gives a
unique insight into our beers and brewing methods. The tour is completed
in the best way possible with the chance to sample some of our fine ales.
Whether you choose a glass of our famous Jennings Bitter noted for its
malty, nutty and mellow taste or one of our other fine beers such as
Cumberland Ale, Cocker Hoop or the intriguingly named Sneck Lifter, we're
sure that this will be an enjoyable end to your visit.
There are over 180 Jennings pubs in the North of England and several
within walking distance of the Brewery. So after your Brewery Tour, why
not visit one? Whichever Jennings pub you choose, you can be sure of a
warm welcome and the traditional quality of Jennings Ales.
Why not look at our own
website at www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk
