Growler Brewery, based on on the Suffolk-Essex border at Pentlow, near Long Melford, today celebrated the 25th anniversary of the beer which has inspired its new name.
Previously known as Nethergate, from its original home in Clare where it was established in 1986, the business has now adopted the Growler Brewery identity to reflect the popularity of one of its most successful beers, the dark porter-style Old Growler.
With former Essex and England cricketer Graham Gooch, who pulled the first pint of Old Growler at The Bell in Clare on November 7, 1988, presently in Australia for the current Ashes tour, the honour of pulling the celebratory pint today went to Dr Ian Hornsey, the original head brewer at Nethergate, who created Old Growler.
Today’s ceremony was held at the Waggon & Horses in Sudbury, which Growler Brewery now owns. Also present were current head brewer Paul Gower, new managing director Steve Wilkinson and co-founder Dick Burge who sold the business in 2010.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here