Stansfield The Compasses pub owner to launch 'dream' brewery

Roy Elder, who has owned The Compasses in High Street since October 2022, will open Old Goat Brewery at the pub for the first time on Sunday, July 23. 

Born in Detroit and having lived in California for 23 years before moving to Suffolk, Mr Elder said he plans to bring a touch of America to the ales he brews. 

The Compasses pub in Stansfield (Image: Roy Elder)

"I have been brewing for years as a home brewer and I have worked in the professional brewing trade too," he said.

"I just love making beer. It's a bit of a dream come true.

"It's going to be predominantly ales of various sorts - my main one will be American-style California IPA and there will be some unusual flavoured ales as well." 

Roy Elder behind the bar of The Compasses (Image: Roy Elder)

Mr Elder opened The Compasses officially in May 2023, but said after opening for one night only on Christmas Eve 2022, he is expecting lots of support from the community. 

He added: "I am expecting a very good turn out because the community has been really great so far with supporting everything I have done.

"I opened briefly on Christmas Eve as I heard it was a tradition, and they came out in full force so hopefully that happens again.

"The second weekend The Compasses was open I completely sold out of beer.

"I think the community are just happy to see the pub open again."  

Brewing equipment ready for the launch of Old Goat Brewery (Image: Roy Elder)

There will be two bands, Tony Phillips & Chris Bullen and Pointy Finger, playing at The Compasses on the brewery's launch day. The event will be held between 3pm and 7pm. 

Martin Bate, Vice-Chairman of West Suffolk CAMRA, said: "West Suffolk CAMRA is very excited and supportive of Roy Elder and his new enterprise at The Compasses in Stansfield.

"It is great to see The Compasses pub open again and the new brewery is a valuable addition to the eclectic range of breweries that we are fortunate to have in west Suffolk."