Cheers! Brewing history explored in new book
The stories of historic breweries, including two in the Black Country, have been told in a new book from the Campaign for Real Ale.
The Family Brewers of Britain has been written by award-winning beer writer Roger Protz.
He charts 300 years of British brewing through the fascinating and sometimes fractious histories of the families still running them.
The book has also been supported by the Independent Family Brewers of Britain.
Among the companies featured is Bathams in Brierley Hill which was established in 1877 by Daniel Batham, although the first Bathams’ beer was actually produced by Daniel’s wife Charlotte while Daniel worked as a miner.
Bathams’ Best Bitter gained nationwide prominence when it won the top prize in the bitter category of Camra’s Champion Beer of Britain competition in 1991.
Holden’s in Woodsetton was founded in 1915. It is now under the leadership of the fourth and fifth generations of the family with plans in the works for upgrade and expansion at the site to keep up with growing demand.
Also featured is Titanic in Stoke-on-Trent, which opened in 1985 and has overcome the initial challenges it faced to become a much-loved family brewery.
The brewery, run by Stafford brothers Keith and Dave Bott, is named after the unfortunate John Smith, who came from Stoke and was captain of the ill-fated Titanic cruise ship.
The book features interviews from 30 family brewers and examines the past, present and future of the companies.
It covers family rows, pioneering female brewers and some of the biggest threats faced by these British institutions over the centuries.
Author Roger Protz is a campaigner, broadcaster, and author of dozens of books about beer and brewing. He has edited 24 editions of Camra’s Good Beer Guide.
“Everards, Batemans, Bathams, Holden’s and Titanic are five stalwarts of British brewing history, and a credit to the Midlands," he said.
"It is a testament to the continuing quality of their beer that they remain relevant and popular in the modern day and continue to meet the demands of today’s consumers.
“Our family brewers are often overlooked flag bearers for real ale and have fascinating stories to tell.
"The five included breweries have centuries of fascinating history under their belts, and it was a delight to research and compile their stories in this book. I look forward to readers coming along on this journey and learning more about their favourite brews.”
, retailing at £21.99 (£19.99 for Camra members).
