Staff made redundant from an award-winning Lake District brewery due to the coronavirus pandemic have reunited to launch their own firm.
Lakes Brew Co has been set up by Matt Clarke, Michelle Gay, Steve Ricketts and Paul Sheldon, who were formerly employed by Hawkshead Brewery at Staveley.
Michelle said: “This opportunity has come out of adversity.
“What most people would regard as a disaster – when we lost our jobs – means we can now build
something fresh and new.”
The new brewery will be in the heart of Kendal on Mintsfeet Industrial Estate.
They hope to have the first beers ready in June, available in can, keg and cask.
Brewer Matt will be creating a range of modern beer styles, focusing on freshness and quality.
Keen to use innovative ingredients including new hop varieties and yeast strains.
Matt, who was head brewer at Hawkshead for 15 years, said: “We really look forward to working alongside likeminded artisanal businesses in the Lake District’s food and drink scene and collaborating with other Cumbrian businesses.”
