Tag Archives: Brewery

Brown and Green on tour at Lymestone Brewery

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A little while ago I was lucky enough to get myself on the first event known as “Brown and Green on tour“. Brown and Green are one of my favourite food shops that I’ve visited and I’m so lucky to have them just a little drive away at Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent. You can see my interview with owner Susie Keenan and what they are all about at my guest post on the Midlands Food Bloggers community blog here.

Part of the ethos of Brown and Green is supporting local suppliers and there is hardly a weekend goes by without one or more suppliers being in store with tastings. Brown and Green decided to take this to the next level by taking a group of customers to one of their local suppliers, in this instance Lymestone Brewery, based in nearby Stone.

It was my first visit to a micro-brewery and I imagine any other breweries will have to go some to beat Ian (Brad) and Viv Bradford , the duo behind Lymestone Brewery on their warm welcome, infectious passion for good beer and wealth of knowledge.

The evening began as every good brewery tour should – a sampling of some beer. No need to wait for service either, as we were all urged to try pulling a pint (something I’ve not done since my uni days!) for ourselves. there were 3 of Lymestone’s beers available to try – Stone Faced, Stone Cutter and Lymestone Cowboy.

After a brief introduction to the evening from Euan Keenan of Brown and Green we were handed over to Brad for a passionate talk on the history of brewing in Stone, their story, and a detailed look at the brewing process. Ian was head brewer for 18 years at nearby Titanic brewery and back in July 2008 decided to take a leap of faith in starting a brewery of his very own. It was clear to see that Brad loves his job, so much enthusiasm and passion, so you can see why they are perfect match to work with Brown and Green. Lymestone brewery have a selection of bottled beers they sell to the likes of Brown and Green, but also supply casks to pubs around the country. Their wide range of beers are always being complemented by new seasonal beers making them something to look out for at any time of year.

After more beer (of course!), a tour of the brewing room it was time for some food to mop up some of that beer with a fabulous buffet full of local foodie treats that are stocked in Brown and Green. (sorry I was too busy tucking in to take a photo before it had been devoured!)

So thanks to Euan, Susie and Jules of Brown and Green and the lovely Brad and Viv from Lymestone, plus the other lovely people that attended for a truly enjoyable evening. Can’t wait for the next one!

Two Towers Brewery

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Now seen as I don’t really like to drink beer in any form (well maybe just the one!), Owen thought he would contribute with a few posts on local breweries and their beers. Think he finally realises us food bloggers aren’t an alien species after coming along to our recent meet up and decided to get in on the action!

On the most recent visit to 24 Carrots Farmers market in the Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham we discovered a local producer that we hadn’t heard of before. It is Two Towers Brewery.

The Two Towers refer to the iconic towers in Edgbaston, Birmingham that allegedly inspired the writings of JRR Tolkien and are just one of the Birmingham features that are used by the Brewery. The names of the beers are all routed in the history of the city.

Owen sampled 3 of the beers from their range and here are his thoughts:

Chamberlain Pale Ale – I liked this beer with it’s fresh citrusy aroma; it has a crisp and refreshing flavour. It is as light as you would expect from a Pale Ale and has some floral notes. It leaves a lasting tang on the palate with a yeasty sediment. I’d say it’s perfect for a summer’s evening of drinking.

Baskerville Bitter – I loved the full-on hoppy flavour of this bitter complemented by the classic aroma of a traditional bitter. It is a well rounded beer and could easily become a session beer. Full of body and with a tangy finish.




Jewellers Porter  – I enjoyed the deep classic flavour of the stout with it’s dark molasses taste. It surprised me with it’s complex fruity finish but overall very enjoyable.

The Two Towers Brewery also have 2 Mild’s and another bitter in their range. Currently I think you can get Two Towers Beers on draught in local pubs around Birmingham and also bottles at Farmer’s Markets like 24 carrots. Check them out if you’re ever in Birmingham.