Catherine McKinnell MP has recently visited Hadrian Border Brewery in her constituency to learn more about the work of one of the largest microbreweries in the region. The Newcastle North MP received a tour of the 35-barrel plant from Shona Burrows, who runs the firm with her husband, Andy.
Hadrian Border Brewery has been based at its Newburn site since 2011, having previously been located in Berwick-upon-Tweed and then Ouseburn in Newcastle. Leading ales produced by the plant include Tyneside Blonde, Farne Island and seasonal brews like Platinum, which was on sale in the Houses of Parliament’s Strangers’ Bar this May.
Visiting on the 100th anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme, Catherine took a particular interest in the limited edition charity ales Hadrian Border Brewery has created to mark the centenary of the Great War. Named after local regiments that fought in the First World War, there is a ‘Durham Light Infantry’ light ale, a ‘Tyneside Scottish’ ale based on a Scottish recipe, a ‘Newcastle Commercials’ brown ale, and the ‘Tyneside Irish’ stout.
Some of the proceeds of these bespoke ales are going towards raising the £40,000 of funds required for a special event being planned on Newcastle’s Quayside for 2018, to mark the centenary of the end of the Somme offensive. This one-off commemoration is the brainchild of Ian Johnson, who has co-ordinated the ‘WW1 Centenary Ales’ campaign, and is being backed by the Royal British Legion and the North East War Memorials Project. During the first month of the project, the brewery has already raised over £1,000 towards the fund.
The commemorative ales are available for purchase directly from Hadrian Border Brewery, outlets including Fenwick, Alnwick Castle, Preston Park Museum and Beamish Museum, as well as various events Ian Johnson himself is managing.
Catherine said:
‘I had a fascinating visit to Hadrian Border Brewery, hearing more about the science and complexities of brewing as well as some of the challenges facing local firms of this size.
‘Shona and her husband Andy have clearly worked incredibly hard to build their business over a number of years, and it’s great to be able to help support this success.
‘The creation of these bespoke First World War ales is a very special tribute to the North East men who fought and, in many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.’
Shona Burrows, co-owner and manager of Hadrian Border Brewery, said:
‘Catherine was extremely positive about what we have achieved here.
‘I felt she had a genuine interest in our business and the daily challenges we face as an SME, particularly within the brewing industry. It was a pleasure to meet her, and she is welcome to visit again anytime’.