MP visits Hepworth Brewery to celebrate national beer day

Arundel & South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited Hepworth Brewery in Pulborough on Friday (15 June) to mark Beer Day Britain and to help them launch their latest brew.

The MP met founder and Head Brewer Andy Hepworth at the Brewery’s production site in Brinsbury.  Mr Herbert first visited Hepworth & Co 18 months ago following their move from Horsham to their new purpose-built brewery.  Since then, Hepworths have opened a visitor centre which includes a shop and tasting bar.

Beer Day Britain, formerly National Beer Day, is celebrated on 15 June each year, the day on which Magna Carta, which mentions ale, was sealed in 1215.  Clause 35 of the landmark charter states that there should be a single measure for ale called the ‘London quarter’, the equivalent of 2 pints in modern measures.   

Beer production is a significant sector in the UK economy.  The beer and pub industry in Britain contributes £23 billion to the economy each year, supports 900,000 jobs and is one of the country’s biggest exports, shipping to 121 countries including Australia and Germany.

Andy Hepworth and his team continue to craft new beers to satisfy both local and overseas markets.  Hepworth & Co’s newest offering is ‘Crazy Horse’ American Pale Ale.  Like many of the beers they make, it is also gluten-free. 

Mr Herbert said: “It was a pleasure to return to the Brewery to see Andy and the team again.  I enjoyed hearing about how the business is developing and his thoughts on the market.  I was also delighted to help promote their latest beer.”

 ENDS 

Notes

1.     Photograph: left to right – Nick Herbert with Andy Hepworth and the Brewery’s new ‘Crazy Horse’ Pale Ale.