Brakspear brewing returns to Oxfordshire

Refresh UK took on the brewing of Brakspear Beers in October 2002, following the closure of Brakspear's Henley brewery. Due to lack of spare capacity at the Wychwood Brewery in Witney, initially only the Brakspear seasonal ales could be brewed there and so Burtonwood Brewery in Cheshire brewed the main beers, Bitter and Special, until a new brewery site was found.

When industrial space adjacent to Wychwood Brewery became available plans were immediately drawn up to expand the brewery and increase its capacity. Fermentation vessels, including the famous double drop system which had been purchased from the Henley Brewery, were installed and the first Witney-brewed Brakspear went on sale in the on trade during June 2004. Since the relauch, sales of Brakspears beers have grown by more than 20%, and sales of Brakspears Bitter cask have grown by 30%.

More information on Brakspear beers is available on the website at www.brakspears-beers.co.uk