Growth plan as brewery reopens to public
BBCThe company behind the reopening of a centuries-old brewery has announced expansion plans to keep up with demand.
After making beer for nearly 200 years, Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth, Cumbria, closed in November 2022.
The site and the rights to the Jennings brand and recipes were purchased by local couple Kurt and Rebecca Canfield in February. A new taproom opened to the public on Friday and local pubs are receiving their first supply of the newly-brewed beers.
Managing director Chris France said the firm needed to expand the site as a result of demand and it planned to recruit another eight people by the end of the year.
"It's a huge site with tonnes of potential," he said.
"Jennings has a special place in the heart of Cumbria, and bringing these beers back has been a real privilege."
Marketing manager Rebecca Jobson described the taproom's opening weekend as "amazing".
"The response has been fantastic from the community and beyond," she said.
The firm now has ambitions to supply to more pubs and supermarkets.
Mr France said: "Local support for the beer and brand hasn't dwindled.
"We've had a very warm welcome back."