The family-owned brewery in Cumbria, which was closed by Carlsberg Marston’s in 2022, has returned to independent ownership and is offering group tours alongside revived favourites and new additions.
Groups can book a brewery tour to step behind the scenes and learn about what makes Jennings so special, from its proud brewing history to the character of its beers.
Jennings has pledged to return to its roots, bringing back old popular beers like Sneck Lifter and Cocker Hoop, alongside new tipples such as Derwent Mild and Back Yam, a nod to the Cumbrian dialect phrase meaning “back home.”
Group tours
As part of their tour, each guest will receive four tokens which can be redeemed on either half a pint of Jennings Cask Beer, a soft drink and/or a Jennings Bottled Ale to take away.
Tours take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 2pm or on Saturdays at either 12.30pm or 3.30pm.
The history of Jennings
Originally founded in 1828, it soon outgrew the site in Lorton and moved to the existing site in Cockermouth in 1874. The Lorton brewery continued until 1881 when brewing shifted entirely to the Cockermouth site.
In 1887, the brewery went from being a family-owned business into a public limited company, which the enthusiastic locals bought shares of, meaning that when the last member of the Jennings family died, Jennings kept its local identity for the next 100 years.
It became part of the Carlsberg group in 2020 and then was closed in 2022. But in February this year, it returned to family ownership after being acquired by local business owners Kurt and Rebecca Canfield.
Managing director Chris France said: “Jennings has a special place in the heart of Cumbria, and bringing these beers back has been a real privilege.
“Jennings beer may have been absent for a number of years, but local support for the beer and brand hasn’t dwindled—we’ve had a very warm welcome back.”
Future development plans
Plans for the future development of the historic site include an expanded taproom, a distillery and potentially even a hotel.
Chris added: “There’s so much potential in the site, and we’re working closely with the local council to build something special for the town. We need to both respect the heritage that makes the site what it is and find new ways of using old buildings.”
Newly appointed head brewer Buster Grant is also enjoying the opportunity to bring Jennings back to life, using the on-site well that draws from an aquifer beneath the brewery, the original yeast strain, and traditional ingredients like Fuggles and Goldings hops, along with the reintroduction of Maris Otter malt.
He said: “It’s amazing to be part of Jennings and to be working in this historic site to bring life (and beer!) back to this much-loved brewery.
“Jennings’ beers are iconic symbols of the Lakes, and I’m hugely proud to be able to add to this wonderful history and legacy. More importantly, I’m really looking forward to tasting the beers again and seeing the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.”
For more information visit www.jenningsbrewery.co.uk agroup bookings, email taproom@jenningsbrewery.co.uk.
