About Us

Having established Northern Brewing in August 2003, its founder Col Stubbs spent the next few months acquiring the brew plant and associated equipment, premises and a delivery vehicle. All duly found, the brew plant was installed in an industrial unit in Runcorn, Cheshire, which was to be Northern’s home for the next two years. The first ever brew, a Northern “45”, appeared in late-December 2003. Col had spent much of 2003 acquiring knowledge in both the technical and commercial aspects of the micro-brewing business at the now defunct Beecham's Brewery, which was then part of St. Helens College.
	Early in 2004, Col was joined by Mike Hill (in the blue T-shirt!) who, having decided that being Ernie the Milkman wasn't for him, was keen to join the fledgling enterprise. Today, over three years later, both are still happily and enthusiastically brewing away.
The sales side of the business is now essentially out-sourced to (the aptly-named, as those who know him would testify) “Beer Monster Cask Beer Sales”, or Dean MacDonald (aka Deano) as he’s otherwise known… and a grand job he does too… apart from Tuesdays before 11am in the darts & doms season!
		In 2005, it became apparent that the unit at Runcorn was bursting at the seams and a move to larger premises was badly needed. The guys took the opportunity to save on commuting time, cost and hassle, and, in November 2005, moved the whole kit and caboodle to Blakemere Craft Centre, Sandiway, Northwich… twice the space and a full ten minutes drive from their homes… bliss!
Over the years, various additions to the plant and equipment have been made – namely, extra casks, fermenters and conditioning tanks. A purpose-built cold store, which houses the conditioning tanks, is now an integral feature of the Blakemere Brewery. And, a small bar area has been set up to accommodate brewery tours. Since 2005, we have also been commissioned to brew all the beers for Mike McGuigan and his Wirral-based Betwixt Beer Company, including his show-winning Betwixt Sunlight.