Between the Scottish Borders and the Cheviot Hills, you’ll find the picturesque estates of Ford & Etal. Nestled in between these two stunning Northumberland villages lies the home of Cheviot Brewery, set up in 2017 by Pete Nash, Jonathan Hodgson, and Neil Baker.
The brewery has progressed a great deal during the past three years. Along with taking over The Black Bull at Etal (the only thatched pub in Northumberland), the team has been working hard during recent months, brewing their 100th gyle this week, and getting ready to launch their brand new taproom, which opens to the public this Sunday (30th August).
Out with the old
Back in 2018, the first phase of site development began. The team worked with the Ford & Etal Estate to convert the former North Northumberland Hunt Kennels into the new Cheviot Brewery brewhouse.
Head Brewer, Jonny, designed the brewery to work with the layout of the building, resulting in a partial gravity drop system. Brewing began in summer 2018, but by 2019 more space was needed.
Due to an increase in demand, the brewery needed more room for cold storage, plus a dedicated area for packaging bottles and mini casks. Work began in January 2020 when the adjacent kennel buildings became available.
Along came COVID
Completion of the new packaging area coincided with lockdown. This allowed the team to use the new space for home delivery orders.
Jonny, a former structural engineer, not only designed the brewhouse setup, he also masterminded the expansion. His vision has transformed an empty building and the field behind it into the new taproom and beer garden.
The new taproom space
The new Cheviot Tap has been constructed using recycled and repurposed materials. Timber and gravel have been sourced from local businesses. In total, seven companies have been used for the project (all based within a 10-mile radius of the brewery).
The taproom retains some original features of the kennels, with parts of the old walling still visible. Rubble from the walls that were removed form part of the base of the covered areas. There’s also an expansive beer garden, perfect for social distancing.
In the future, visitors will see hop plants established around the pergolas. Wildflowers are also being planted around the area to encourage local wildlife. The new taproom and beer garden shall become the meeting point for tours and events, and we can’t wait to pay a visit!
The Cheviot Brewery Tap opens Sunday 30th August 12pm – 9pm, with food from The Pizza Paddock.
Bookings require a deposit of £3 per person, which acts as a bar tab. Options available for indoor and undercover spaces.
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