Unique Lake District collaboration between brewery and family-run farm bears fruit(y) ale

AN up-and-coming brewery has released a new fruity ale after linking up with a Lake District visitor attraction.

Lakeland Brewhouse created a damson beer using fruit harvested from the Lyth Valley, which forms part of the Low Sizergh Farm estate.

The beer is now canned and will be exclusively sold in Low Sizergh Barn’s famous farm shop, which attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Kirsty Ridge, who is managing director of Lakeland Brewhouse’s parent company, Lakeland Inns, said: “When we were approached by the team at Low Sizergh Barn we were excited by their proposal. Using locally grown fruit to add subtle flavours to a new ale will take us in a new direction; one which we have been keen to explore for some time.

“The hospitality industry has seen a marked increase in the take-up and popularity of fruit beers and ciders in recent years. There is a projected growth in market share of this type of beer in the coming years, so adding a quality product to the marketplace feels great.”

The special collaboration is the first in the history of Lakeland Brewhouse, which has a growing reputation for its special edition and gluten free beers.

Thousands of hand-picked damsons were transported from the Low Sizergh estate to Lakeland Brewhouse’s HQ in Ulverston, Cumbria, where they were used as part of the brewing process to give the new 6% ale its distinctive flavour.

A batch of 650 cans was produced and they are now on sale at Low Sizergh Barn’s Farm Shop.

Leanne Coulson is the general manager of Low Sizergh Barn. The Farm Shop is open to shoppers seven days a week and is also operating a click and collect service.

Leanne said: “We love collaborating with and working alongside local businesses. It is something we are passionate about and have done many times in our 30 year history.

“The damson ale is lovely. The fruit really comes through, although it is not too sweet. I'd say it’s perfect for drinking on a spring or summer’s evening. It's proving to be very popular.”

The two businesses now have plans to work together on a new project involving one of Lakeland Brewhouse’s signature ales.
Meanwhile, the future for Lakeland Brewhouse as a standalone business is exciting.

“The brewery arm of our company has undergone a number of significant changes over the last 12 months,” said Kirsty. Although the Covid -19 pandemic and various lockdowns have massively reduced demand, we’ve never been busier.

“There are some very exciting announcements due over the coming weeks and months, but for now we are delighted to have our damson ale brewed and ready to be sampled by beer fans.”

This press release was circulated on behalf of Lakeland Inns by 32West. If you have any enquiries please call 07553203234 or 01229 808306.
 

Lakeland Inns is a company run by business partners, Kirsty Ridge and Scott MacKenzie.
The firm  operates five pubs in Cumbria; The Sun in Ulverston; The Commodore in Grange, The Black Cock in Broughton-in-Furness, The Royal Oak in Spark Bridge and The Royal Oak in Curthwaite.
Lakeland Inns creates its own beers and ales from its 100% renewably powered brewhouse in Ulverston. The beers are sold in all Lakeland Inns pubs under the Lakeland Brewhouse brand, and are also available at pubs across the north west.
The Sun Inn is the proud holder of a Cumbria in Bloom gold award.