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THORNBRIDGE BREWERY TOUR
Wednesday 15th February
Following the usual manic Christmas and sales period it was time for our annual manager's get together. Most of the nation may have been feeling good for been several weeks into the de-tox and having abstained from alcohol, those extra festive pounds had been shed and general health was optimistic.
With this in mind to the delight or dismay of our staff and manager's, the venue for the meeting had been decided - a brewery tour.
INNOVATION, PASSION AND KNOWLEDGE
We’d originally enjoyed Thornbridge ales scattered amongst our local pubs, our MD taking a particular liking to their (5.9%!) Jaipur.
The brewery seems to have gone from strength to strength recently and moving on from their “cult following” to been found stocked across most major supermarkets in addition to the ‘proper’ pubs and craft ale bars nationwide. Also, interesting to hear that as word has spread they’ve found huge markets further afield from South Africa to Japan!
To meet growing demand, Thornbridge decided to add a second location to their original humble 10-barrel brewery based in the grounds of Thornbridge hall set in the heart of the peak district. The new state of the art brewery and bottling plant opened in 2009 was timed perfectly to meet the new markets whilst keeping the quality and taste that their loyal customers have come to expect.
Intrigued to find out more we were welcomed with a comprehensive tour of the new site. Greeted and accompanied by two knowledgeable members of staff and brewing experts we were walked through the process from hopping to bottling and our questions were answered comprehensively and with enthusiasm.
(only slightly larger than our pressure test tanks!)
The attention to detail at Thornbridge as well as the creativity instilled into what is a centuries old process left a solid impression on how a business can adapt and grown even in the most traditional of markets. The strap line of ‘Innovation, Passion and Knowledge’ particularly resonated with our staff; drawing similarities to some of the day-to-day culture we try to place into our work as ‘Professionals in time’.
Should we be concerned we have a brewers working culture?!
A thoroughly fulfilling trip and inspiring to see a local British company going from strength to strength in the national and international markets.
A recommended tour and we can’t wait for our next visit!