Mayflower Brewery

Real Ale from West Lancashire
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6th May 2010

As you may know, we've not been brewing for some months due to our relocation to Upholland, West Lancashire.  Our initial aim was to commence brewing at the new site in early December, however due to a lengthy wait for planning permission involving bat surveys (the site is a converted barn in the green belt), staff changes at the council and so on, we have been delayed by several months.

The new site is at the picturesque Wellcross Farm in historic Upholland, which is in a scenic location atop Tower Hill.  On a clear day there are wonderful views of Winter Hill, Wigan, Manchester, Liverpool and North Wales. 

The brewery is part of a large renovated barn which will also have a small bar area to accommodate small brewery tours tastings etc.

Work in progress on the new brewery

We have many fond memories of our time at the Royal Oak  but expansion opportunities were limited.  Although the new premises are purpose built, we'll still be using all the original Mayflower vessels at the new site and although remaining a small (2.5brls) local brewery, the extra space will enable a third fermenter to be used, increasing production by a third.

Now we've got the go-ahead from the council, the final building works are taking place.  We should be back brewing in the next few weeks and have already taken orders for the first brew - if you want to place an order, email info@mayflowerbeer.co.uk or phone Al on 07984 404567.

Cheers

Al and Tracy

 

In Mesopotamia, a 4,000 year-old clay tablet indicates that brewing was a highly respected profession - and the master brewers were women.

 

In ancient Babylon, the women brewers were also priestesses. The goddesses Siris and Nimkasi were patronesses of beer, and certain types of beer were reserved exclusively for temple ceremonies.

In medieval times, beer was generally brewed by women. Being the cooks, they had responsibility for beer which was regarded as ‘food-drink'.

 

After the monasteries had established the best methods of brewing, the ‘ale-wives' took the responsibility for further brewing.

Ladies-in-waiting at the court of Henry VII were allowed a gallon of beer for breakfast alone.

Queen Elizabeth, when travelling through the country, always sent couriers ahead to taste the local ale. If it didn't measure up to the quality required a supply would be shipped from London for her.