Where the heart is (Central England)
Dominic Roskrow sees what's brewing in Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and Oxfordshire
There are a band of counties in a commuter belt round London that don’t fit in to any discernible regional area.
They occupy a no man’s land somewhere between the South West of England, North West London and The Midlands, and they epitomise the suburban towns and rural communities that define middle England. They do not have the iconic status of Yorkshire or Lancashire, or great sporting teams or thriving cities. They are, at first glance, a somewhat featureless bunch, comfy counties with little to set them apart, give or take the odd Royal palace or top university.
They are, though, home to a number of intriguing and exciting brewing businesses and can now boast one of the country’s biggest regional brewers, one of the prettiest, and one of the most progressive. Or rather, two on the same site.
It’s an area rich in breweries that have grown from small beginnings in to sizeable and respected businesses.
Indeed, it is unlikely that any other region can point to so many beer producers who have set up in old farm buildings or stables. Dig around these counties and you’ll find some great pubs and some exceptional beer.
When Charles Wells of Bedford and Young’s of Wandsworth announced plans to merge the decision was understandably greeted with trepidation. It was no secret that Young’s had been put under pressure as the local council looked to redevelop the region, but the decision to move out of the capital was greeted with shock.
Brewing had been carried out on the site fo.....
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By Dominic Roskrow
Section : Regional Focus
Page number : 26
