25 Sep 2023
One of the district’s leading independent brewers has ensured its long-term future after securing a new and expanded premises for the production of its award-winning beers and ales.
The team at Farr Brew were shocked to learn they were going to have to vacate their existing site on the Ayot estate after their landlord decided to convert the brewery into offices.
But following an extensive search of the surrounding area they have now located a new facility on a farm just outside of Redbourn – a short drive from their current place.
Founder Nick Farr explained: “The new location will be a real step forward for Farr Brew – the building itself is around five times the size of our current place. The grounds are on a farm with owners who have real ambition and drive towards creating a real hospitality hub over the coming years – with plans for glamping and potentially even a festival. Their thinking matches our ambition in driving Farr Brew onwards. The new location will boast a much larger tap room, with food options available – something we have not been able to offer previously. And the views from the outdoor seating are absolutely beautiful.”
The company has been gradually increasing its footprint in the Herts and Beds area for the past seven years and, as well as the brewery, also owns six pubs including The Reading Rooms in Wheathampstead, The Red Cow in Harpenden and The Elephant and Castle in Wheathampstead.
But the suddenness of their move has not come without its costs, as Nick revealed: “This move has certainly come as a surprise for us, and does have significant financial implications – setting up in a new location is not a cheap thing to do! Which is why we have created a crowdfund to assist. We have some great rewards and benefits which we feel will appeal to most folk.”
Farr Brew employ more than 100 people and have won a series of awards for both their brewery and their pubs.
The Elephant and Castle has been named in the top five ‘Best Country Pubs’ for two years running in the hospitality Oscars – The Great British Pub Awards. They were also in the top five for ‘Best Pub Garden’ this year too. The pub is the current holder of the coveted ‘Best Rural Craft Beer Pub’ in the SIBA awards for their ever rotating range of five or six real ales and ciders.
Nick added: “We cannot wait to introduce ourselves to the folk of Redbourn and beyond – we are excited about the new beers head brewer Jason Moylan has planned – he has some great traditional beers up his sleeves, plus some real “craft” ales in the offing soon too.
“Our current brewery will still be open every Saturday up to the end of the year. And we hope to have the new one up and running by February.
“We really hope everyone can support our small local business and our staff by ensuring this crowdfund succeeds – we would love you all to take a look using the QR code or by visiting our website at www.farrbrew.com – you’ll see three very awkward men in front of a camera!”
