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Visit to
Donnington Brewery 8th May 2013 |
North Cotswold Branch of the Campaign for Real Ale |
Following the 41st Pub walk held on 9th March at the Plough Inn Ford we met Johnny Arkell, Business Development Manager for Donnington and
thanked him for the excellent seasonal ale Donnington Gold provided to our 13
members and guests by Landlord Craig Brown. Subsequently we were invited to
visit the Brewery and this was arranged for the 8th May 2013.
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The limited party of 20 was quickly filled
by North Cotswold CAMRA members and publicans and also representatives from
adjacent Branches who turned up early for the usual group photograph |
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All
attendees were given an overview of the brewery and its history by Johnny Arkell, son of the owner James. |
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Much
has been written about this unique Brewery including a very good write up in
Cotswold Homes Magazine with an interview with James Arkell
but the historic water wheel of the mill building dating back to 1219 and its
conversion to a Brewery by Richard Arkell in 1865
stand out as milestones in the history of brewing in our Branch area This
visit by North Cotswold CAMRA we also regard as a landmark and
privileged event for those attending
for which we are most grateful |
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Prior
to the tour of the process we were able to take some photographs of the black
swans and peacocks introduced and cherished by Claude Arkell
which are thriving today |
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The
delightful grounds |
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One
of the male peacocks was pleased to see us or was it to impress the peahen |
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The brewery tour started at the top floor with the auger feeding Maris Otter Malt from Norfolk into the belt driven mill |
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Plant Tour
Commences |
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The
kettle originally heated by wood fire was empty ready for the next brew on
the floor below |
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Next
floor down Johnny doing a splendid job explained the process. |
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In
the background of the photo above can be seen the wood burning areas under
the kettle which have been replaced with steam heating from the oil fired
boiler shown right. |
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On
the same floor to one side was the hop back an essential feature of the
Donnington process |
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Moving
down another floor were the product tanks with access ladders for inspection and
sampling |
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Then
finally to the ground floor with barrel filling by gravity and cool storage,
and the best bit where we were invited to sample Donnington Gold and BB which
took a little time. |
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Two of our Landlords exiting the brewery debated their next
purchase of Donnington ales for their respective free houses namely the Tite Inn,
Ebrington Arms and the Killingworth Castle. We finally spent some time in the fascinating basement with
old Donnington pub signs for those interested. Finally we regrouped at the Fox Inn Broadwell for lunch
after an excellent visit. |
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Report and
photos by Roger Price
Please select this link for the Brewery’s own web
site