This year, Arkell’s Brewery are celebrating a very special anniversary; 180 years of continual brewing at the original site founded by John Arkell in 1843. The family brewery is one of the UK’s last remaining fully operational Victorian tower steam breweries and is situated in Kingsdown, Swindon.
Arkell’s are marking their 180th anniversary with a number of activities throughout the year, but have kicked off the celebrating by inviting the High Sheriff of Wiltshire, Fiona Shelburne, The Marchioness of Lansdowne into the old brewhouse to help them brew a brand new celebratory beer.
Alex Arkell, Head Brewer and sixth-generation of the Arkell family took the High Sheriff on a tour of the town’s oldest surviving business and gave an overview of the traditional brewing methods put in place by his ancestors that are still used to this very day. The High Sheriff helped mash in; an important early step in the brewing process, setting underway the new celebratory brew – ‘Tradition’ 3.4% ABV.
Alex said: “We put together a recipe blending some old and new ideas, the beer is an easy drinking deep red session beer with a warming fruit biscuity base, this comes from using Rye which was often used in our old brew books. We’ve then rounded this off with a hop aroma of mango and peach which I don’t think you’d have seen much of 180yrs ago. A perfect blend of old and new!”
The beer is available on cask in participating Arkell’s venues from Tuesday 7th February.
Following the brewhouse tour the High Sheriff of Wiltshire unveiled a commemorative plaque. Managing Director, George Arkell said “It is an honour to have this visit from the High Sheriff and share with her the great heritage of our family brewery. We are extremely proud of both our family history and our traditional methods of brewing. Onto the next 180yrs, Cheers! “
The visit concluded in the Arkell’s Grape & Grain Wine & Brewery Warehouse where the High Sheriff met members of staff and viewed the archive centre on the upper floor. The Grape & Grain was opened to the public 5 years ago by Her Majesty The Queen Consort (formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall).
A selection of special activities are planned for 2023 during the breweries 180th year, these include an ale trail competition around Arkell’s pubs, weekly brewery tours for the public starting in February, and a Big Birthday Bash in September with live music and lots of beers to sample.
ENDS
Notes to Editor: For further info. contact: Helen Ryan at Arkell’s Brewery on 01793 823026, 07972155303 or email helen.ryan@arkells.com
Arkell’s Brewery was established in 1843 by John Arkell. Arkell’s is Swindon’s oldest business and one of just 29 family breweries left in the UK. Arkell’s has 180 years in the brewery business and has four members of the Arkell’s family still remaining at the helm: Chairman James Arkell; his cousin Nick Arkell, Head of Sales, and James’ sons George, and Alex Arkell are Managing Director and Head Brewer respectively.
The Arkell family work at the brewery alongside generations of other local families, brewing real ale and looking after nearly 100 pubs across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Hampshire. Arkell’s ales include Award-winning beers such as Wiltshire Gold, 3B, and Hoperation IPA. Special ales are brewed regularly, with Head Brewer, Alex Arkell, keeping the art of craft ale alive, offering drinkers new tastes and flavours all hand made in their brewery.
Photo Credit: Dave Cox
Arkell’s Brewery Directors & Staff gather with The High Sheriff of Wiltshire for the plaque unveiling
Press release from Arkell’s.
For further info. contact: Helen Ryan at Arkell’s Brewery on 01793 823026, 07972155303 or email helen.ryan@arkells.com