York Brewery

by Tim Hurrell

Now we come to the York Brewery, at Toft Green, Micklegate, York, where beer is being brewed commercially for the first time in forty years; the brewery brewed its first beer in May 1996 and now have a selection of first class products under the motto: "Like Yorkshire beer from yesteryear!"

This was the scene in York when we arrived, the River Ouse some thirteen feet higher than usual, and the King's Head only just above water - according to one of the guides this is the only pub that keeps its beer in the attic! York - the new Venice of the North...

Equipment came from Burnley's Lion's Brewery, now closed, and was installed in a site within the ancient city walls, the brewery being a tourist attraction as well as a workplace; all aspects of the brewing process are visible from raised galleries as the work areas are kept as sterile as possible.

Beers brewed: Stonewall, Brideshead Bitter, and Yorkshire Terrier Bitter

Seasonals include: 100 Not Out, Last Drop Bitter, York Minstrel Ale, Cracker, and Centurion Ghost Ale

The tour was informal and friendly, punctuated with bad jokes and anecdotes, and includes a half at the start and one at the end of the tour in the very pleasant surroundings of the brewery tap room.

The tours operate throughout the year, seven days a week; you can contact the brewery on: 01904 621162 or visit their website

About a quarter of a mile away is the Maltings, an excellent free house, in Tanners Moat (under Lendal Bridge)