By Lara King
Horsforth Brewery has launched a new campaign aimed at encouraging Leeds pubs, bars and restaurants to support the growing real ale scene in Leeds.
The campaign, ‘Brewed in Leeds’ kicked off on Friday, 4 July, and seeks to put 22 independent breweries in the spotlight, showcasing the breadth of local beers available to Leeds residents that they may not currently be aware of.
While there are now over 1,500 real ale breweries in the UK, some of which are enjoyed amongst the hundreds of pubs and bars in Leeds, the local brewing scene itself is not well represented, with many pubs tending to buy in the big name brewers from further afield.
This means that local beer enthusiasts do not get the opportunity to sample and support the producers right on their doorstep.
The campaign is focused on getting Leeds drinking establishments to stock local beers, while local breweries are invited to join the campaign and put forward different options for people to enjoy.
Horsforth Brewery has already had some success with local breweries such as PigLove, who are also putting on a Leeds line in their taproom. They are encouraging all micro-breweries with taprooms like Crooked and DMC to get involved too.
Breweries like this brew in small batches, offering distinct flavours, including low alcohol beers for people who want the flavour but without such a high alcohol content. However, they lack the big marketing budgets to get their names out there, so Leeds drinkers are missing out.
The team at Horsforth Brewery, which was established in 2017, are showing their commitment by introducing ‘the Leeds line’ in its taproom this summer, where they’ll offer the range of ales from Leeds breweries, alongside their own. They have also invited all 22 breweries to be part of its annual August bank holiday beer festival, where they can showcase their range of ales in person, as well as offering them on tap.
Jenni Kerslake, bar manager at Horsforth Brewery, explained: “It’s all about raising awareness of local beers.
“There’s a lot of great beer out there, many by small outfits that people haven’t heard of, and it gets missed. Right now, it’s easier to buy ales from Leeds in places like Manchester than it is in Leeds, which is such a shame. I’m worked in Sheffield, and I know it’s far easier to buy from local breweries there than it is here, and that’s what we want to change.”
She added: “Our founder Mark is always keen to do his bit for the community and champion local causes.
“The festival will run over several days and beer lovers will get the chance to try beer from any – or all – of the 22 breweries represented by the Brewed in Leeds campaign, including our own. We’ve chosen some less well known styles such as bitters and New England IPAs alongside the usual favourites like pale ales.”
Thirsty West Leeds residents are encouraged to think and drink local by asking for Leeds ales at their favourite drinking places.
They are also invited to support the Brewed in Leeds Beer festival Friday 22 – Sunday 24 August and raise a glass to our proud drinking heritage!
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