Simon Rogan works with ‘Local Heroes’ Fell Brewery to launch an autumnal beer

Credit: Cristian Barnett Photography

Chef Simon Rogan’s Our Farm team has joined forces with Cumbrian craft brewery, Fell, to launch a new creation, a Damson & Perilla Sour, the fourth release in their ongoing series of collaborative beers celebrating locally grown and foraged ingredients created for the ‘Local Heroes’ project hosted twice yearly at Rogan & Co.

This limited-edition sour pairs tart Cumbrian damsons with the aromatic, herbal character of perilla, an Asian member of the mint family, to create a beer layered with delicate notes of anise, liquorice, and cinnamon. Designed to capture the essence of autumn, the release continues the productive partnership between Our Farm and Fell Brewery, which began in 2023.

Based in Cumbria, Fell Brewery is renowned for producing craft beers deeply rooted in their surroundings. Founder Tim Bloomer, who grew up locally, has built a brewing philosophy centred on the landscape and community that inspire him. His commitment to sourcing and producing ingredients locally underpins Fell’s mission to demonstrate how small, independent breweries can positively impact their local area, economy, and environment.

Liam Fitzpatrick, Head Chef of Our Farm, is responsible for making the most of ingredients grown by Our Farm, including developing ways of using surplus produce to avoid waste by creating food products for Our Shop and Home by Simon Rogan, whether that be condiments, jams, honey, oil and vinaigrette infusions and a whole range of innovative uses.

This shared ethos of provenance, quality, and sustainability, combined with the proximity of the two businesses, made collaboration between Fell Brewery and Our Farm a natural fit. Together, they celebrate the Cumbrian landscape, its seasons, and the people who cultivate it.

The chance to collaborate has been a truly beneficial experience for both teams, encouraging them to learn new skills, share ideas and examine new approaches to working together sustainably, whilst also producing great beers made using locally grown and sourced ingredients.

Kayleigh Thorogood, Assistant Operations Manager with the Umbel restaurant group, said: “Our partnership with Fell Brewery perfectly captures the ethos of our Local Heroes initiative,” said Kayleigh Thorogood, Assistant Operations Manager for the Umbel restaurant group. “It’s about forming genuine relationships with like-minded producers who share our commitment to provenance and sustainability. The Damson & Perilla Sour is a great example of what can be achieved through collaboration — a beer that truly reflects the character of our region.”

The Local Heroes, a Rogan & Co. led initiative, now in its second year, connects the restaurant team with independent Cumbrian producers through a series of seasonal collaborations. The new beer will feature as part of Local Heroes Week, taking place from 4th to 8th November, when guests can enjoy it alongside specially curated tasting menus.

Damson & Perilla Sour is available through Home by Simon Rogan and Simon Rogan’s Lake District restaurants, as well as for purchase through Fell bars in Cumbria and their e-retail site. https://www.simonrogan.co.uk/

Prices: £6.50 - 1 x440ml, £23 - 4 x 440ml, £62 - 12 x 440ml. 

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1/ About UMBEL Restaurants:

UMBEL, the restaurant group founded by chef Simon Rogan, is known for its award-winning restaurants with a strong farm-to-table ethos. The journey began in 2002 when Simon launched L’Enclume in Cartmel, focusing on hyperlocal, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant now boasts three Michelin stars, tops the Good Food Guide, ranks #1 in the UK on La Liste 1000, and holds five AA Rosettes.

In its third decade, the group has extended its commitment to nurturing talent from within the ranks, with Tom Barnes's solo restaurant being the first supported venture.

In 2008, UMBEL Restaurants introduced Rogan & Co in Cartmel, earning a Michelin star in 2018 and three AA Rosettes. UMBEL established Our Farm in the Lake District in 2011, ensuring a supply of high-quality, sustainable produce. The farm now supplies the majority of fresh produce to all its UK restaurants.

Aulis Cartmel, a six-seater chef's table, opened in 2016, and Aulis London, an eight-seater chef's table in Soho, arrived in October 2017. Expanding internationally, UMBEL launched Aulis Hong Kong in January 2019 and Roganic Hong Kong in February 2019, earning a Michelin star in December 2019. Henrock, an elegantly informal restaurant within Linthwaite House, debuted in the Lake District in October 2019. Aulis Phuket opened in Thailand in 2023 and was awarded a Michelin star in December 2024.

The group's sustainability efforts led to Michelin's Green Star recognition in 2021 for both L'Enclume and Roganic Hong Kong. In 2022, UMBEL opened The Baker & The Bottleman, a bakery and natural wine bar in Hong Kong. The same year, Simon introduced ION Harbour in Valletta, Malta, which received two Michelin stars in April 2024.

Further information and news: www.simonrogan.co.uk or follow @rogan_simon

2/ For further information and news about Simon Rogan and Simon’s restaurants, please visit: https://www.simonrogan.co.uk or follow @rogan_simon

3/ For press queries, please get in touch with Greg at Gundog PR by email: greg@gundogpr.co.uk or mobile: 07825511896

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