Cockermouth-based brewers Jennings have told Business Crack more about their ambitious plans for the business just days after it reopened.
Around 160 people attended the opening Back Yam event with hundreds more visiting the newly reopened tap room over the weekend.
The brewery closed in 2022 but in a deal which involved the transfer of rights to the Jennings brand, including all trademarks, intellectual property and recipes, Chris France, founder of speciality beer retailer Beer Hawk and who grew up in the Lake District joined the venture as managing director and welcomed fans back to the business.
“We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve had since opening,” Chris said. “Pubs from across the country have been in touch and the new taproom has been full. I think the beer that’s going into bottles next week won’t be on the shelves for long! We’re going to need to get a bigger brewery!”
While bottled beer is available from the brewery now it’s hoped website orders will be being accepted by the end of the month allowing nationwide UK mainland delivery.
The brewery is also supplying pubs and aims to arrange agreements with supermarkets too although nothing has been confirmed yet.
As well as proving a popular brew, the makers of Sneck Lifter are also growing as employers.
The company now has 12 members of staff across the team and aims to have 20 employees by the end of 2025.
Chris added:” It’s been a real privilege to work on bringing back the old favourites of Cocker Hoop, Sneck Lifter and Castle Bitter.
“They’ve gone down a storm, but the new ones are popular too. Back Yam, the first beer we brewed to celebrate coming home to Cockermouth, has been the best seller by far.”
