Two entrepreneurs who are well-known to Pudsey pub-goers have joined forces to bring Yorkshire ales to discerning real ale fans across the country.
Mike Copeland, former manager at the CAMRA award-winning Manor Inn, Pudsey, and Chris Surtees, proprietor of the popular Silver Dollar Microbar on Richardshaw Lane, are together launching a national mail order initiative under the guise of “The Yorkshire Ale Man”.
Mike said:
“We firmly believe that the best real ale in the country is brewed in Yorkshire and we want to help promote one of Yorkshire’s finest industries to the rest of the UK.
“We are in a rather unique position in that we both have great relationships with multiple breweries across the county and can therefore offer our customers a fantastic choice and range of Yorkshire ales.”
The duo are already supplying their 5l (8.8 pints) mini-casks of real-ale locally, a service they will continue to offer as they grow into the national market. Beer purchased in bulk from breweries is converted to the retail-size mini casks. Mike added:
“The onset of Covid-19 and the unfortunate forced closure of our fantastic pubs has left real ale fans high and dry.
“Even when pubs re-open, we know that many people have become conditioned to social distancing and some will not be so keen to visit crowded pubs as they were before.
“Our service ensures that not only can lovers of real ale enjoy a tipple in the comfort of their own homes, but that we can do our bit to support the Yorkshire brewing industry by developing sales across the country, increasing individual brewers’ brand awareness nationwide and doing our bit to help make up for lost sales as a result of the pandemic.”
The Yorkshire Ale Man offers beers on a rotational basis, soured from a number of breweries in varying styles. IPAs, Stouts & Porters, Traditional Bitters and Pale Ales all feature prominently in their range. Suppliers to date include Ossett Brewery, Saltaire Brewery, Small World Beers, Black Sheep, Frisky Bear, Daleside Brewery and many more.
“We’re keen to expand our brewery inventory”, added Mike. “As much as we have our favourite ales we’re open to suggestions from the public and we’re keen to partner with as many breweries in the county as we can.”
The company website is due for full launch soon and the pair can be found at www.yorkshirealeman.co.uk on Facebook at @yorkshirealeman or email at yorkshirealeman@gmail.com.