South Yorkshire brewery raises a glass to milestone
A highly-acclaimed South Yorkshire brewery has raised a glass to its first 10 years which have brought more than 50 awards – building up an international reputation.
Acorn Brewery MD Dave Hughes and beer writer Pete Brown celebrate 10 years of brewing at the Old No7 in Market hill Barnsley
Acorn Brewery, based at Wombwell, marked the anniversary at its cask ale pub, the Old No7, in Market Hill, Barnsley, with the unveiling of plans for further new-style brews and investments.
Dave Hughes, managing director and head brewer, said: “It is wonderful to be where we are today.
“We have recently recruited extra staff and are investing in new plant and equipment to supply keg beers. The independent brewing sector has changed dramatically over ten years. To secure the future, we must look ahead and adapt.”
Local MPs and ‘Beer Writer of the Year’ Pete Brown were among guests at the celebration, where they were able to sample Acorn’s Perfect 10 anniversary ale.
Also on tap were Acorn’s famous Gorlovka Imperial Stout in a craft keg version and an oak bourbon barrel aged beer. Success continues for the brewery, with sales 16 per cent higher than the same period in 2012.
And the brewer is now poised to invest £70,000 in new cask- washing equipment, extra conditioning tanks and a keg filler.
Former chef Dave Hughes and his wife Judi founded Acorn in 2003, with just one employee and the firm has grown to a 20 barrel-brew-length plant with a £1.4m-a-year turnover and 12 staff.
It now produces more than 28,000 pints a week following investment in 2012.
Barnsley East MP Michael Dugher said: “It’s fantastic to see this brewery go from strength to strength.”
