Oxfordshire Breweries

Hook-Norton Brewery Co. Ltd.

Hook Norton

This brewery has been family run since 1849 when John Harris moved into Hook Norton and established a small business as a maltster. In what now would be called 'vertical integration' in business schools, Harris started brewing himself. In 1872 he built a small three storey brewery. These premises were soon outgrown as John Harris had hit on a winner and Hook Norton beer sales increased dramatically. In 1896 new stables and offices were constructed and this was followed by the six storey brewery which is still in use today. In fact, much of the original brewing equipment is also still in use including the Brewery's showpiece, a 25hp Steam Engine, which provides the brewery much of its power and pumps pumps the wonderful Cotswold well water into the brewhouse. It is thought that this is the last stationary steam engine used for commercial purposes anywhere in the UK. The well water is pumped up by the two vertical three-cylinder water pumps. These pumps also draw the hot wort from the coppers to the fermenting tanks and also drives hoists, malt mills and the mash tun sparge arms. It is a real workhorse and a treat to watch in action. Hook Norton has 45 tied houses within its portfolio and, in addition, supplies more than 250 freehouses. There is a shop at the brewery and tours can be made by prior arrangement. Sadly, in September 2004 David Clarke, part of the fourth generation to run this family brewery, died of cancer at the age of 63. The great-grandson of the brewery's founder John Harris, he started his career at the brewery in 1958, training at the Burtonwood Brewery, near Warrington. His first role at Hook Norton was managing the bottling section. Joining the board in 1965, he became head brewer in 1974. He became the company's managing director a decade later. Son James succeeded him earlier in 2004. Awarded the British Empire Medal in 1994, David Clarke was also given a lifetime achievement award for his contribution to sustaining traditional family brewing values.
� Copyright. All pump clip images from Hook Norton and reproduced with kind permission.

Hooky Dark 3.2% A dark chestnut coloured ale, crammed full of roast malt flavours, and complimented with superb dry-hop aromas from East Kent Goldings.

Old Hooky 4.6% I can't heap enough praise on this bitter. It is a full-bodied, complex copper coloured ale with a fine balance. It's hoppy character shifts over in the finish where its fruity characteristics take hold. An absolute classic. Unfortunately, because Old Hooky is fairly widespread, you can end up with a well dodgy pint if served up by a useless publican. But when the beer's on song this is absolutely gorgeous.

First Light 4.3% This used to be available from May to mid-July but I am not sure these days. First Light, as a salute to the approaching summer, is a pale, light brew with a complex aroma anticipating heady days of al fresco. Malted wheat and malted barley give it an exotic palate. Styrian Goldings provide a fruity nose with hints of water melon and lychees.

Flagship 5.3% Available in September and October, Flagship was originally brewed to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar. It is an India Pale Ale style of beer � strong in alcohol, and very hoppy. Admiral hops contribute to a full fruity mouth feel, and a sweet fruity aroma.

Hook Norton Brewery

1990's Beer Mat

1940's

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Hunt-Edmunds and Co. Ltd.

Banbury

Based at Bridge Street, this company was founded by John Hunt in 1840. In Robson's trade directory published in the previous year, John Hunt was recorded as the licensee of the Unicorn Inn at Banbury's Market Place. He was also a town councillor. Trading in Bridge Street North, Richard Edmunds was listed as an ironmonger, seed, corn and hop merchant. I believe it was his son William who went into partnership with John Hunt. I am not sure how this worked out as the Edmunds family, who originated from Northamptonshire, were strict Wesleyans. The company was registered in 1896 and in 1924 they merged with the Chipping Norton-based brewery of Hitchman & Co.Ltd. By the time the firm was acquired by Bass, Mitchell's and Butler's in 1965 there was a tied estate of 187 public houses.
� Copyright. Beer label images from Digital Photographic Images.

1940's

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1940's