Hook Norton Brewery offers tours, shop, museum, restaurant and shire horses for a great day out

This week we visited Hook Norton Brewery which is nestled in a picturesque location in The Cotswolds. Hand crafted beer is brewed and sold here; you can even make and name your own beer for a special occasion. Tours of the brewery are available most days and are the only part of the visit which is payable. The brewery is family owned and the history of both the brewery and Hook Norton village is traceable in the museum located in the original maltings.

I love the shire horses which still deliver beer to local pubs under the careful guidance of Roger the drayman with whom we had a lovely chat. Incidentally, all the staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming.

The brewery still has its original steam engine and although this is no longer the main source of power for the brewing process it can be seen in action some Saturday mornings.

They have also just opened a new daytime restaurant in one of the original buildings offering both light dishes and scrummy mains including Steak and Hooky Ale Pie. Beer is available too of course. Lots more beer is available to buy in the shop as well as other local products such as honey, locally milled flours and Cotswold Lavender items.

Remember to book ahead for the brewery tour and also check what is running the day you wish to visit. The brewery is only about 10 miles from us.