Thornbridge Brewery
Independent Derbyshire brewery known for Jaipur IPA.
Thornbridge Brewery is an English independent brewery founded at Thornbridge Hall and now based in Bakewell, Derbyshire. It is known for its Jaipur American style IPA beer.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2005
- Headquarters
- Derbyshire
- Country
- England
- Industry
- Brewing
- Products
- Beer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Thornbridge Brewery first produced craft beers in February 2005 in a 10-barrel brewery housed in outbuildings at Thornbridge Hall. A new 30-barrel brewery opened in September 2009 at a former car sales showroom in Bakewell. As of 2015, the brewery operates 12 pubs and exports its beers to 33 countries. In 2024, with support from Brooklyn Brewery and using equipment donated by Marston's Brewery, Thornbridge recommissioned the only remaining working Burton Union brewing set. The brewery has won multiple awards: gold medals at the World Beer Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; silver medals at the World Beer Cup in 2010 and 2014; and a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup in 2012. In 2012, Jaipur IPA was named one of The Top 50 food and drink products in Britain by the Guild of Fine Food. Two years later, Thornbridge was selected as Best Drinks Producer in the BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards.
Reader's Guide
Thornbridge Brewery's significance lies in its role as an early independent craft brewery in England, establishing a reputation through its flagship Jaipur IPA. The brewery's growth from a 10-barrel operation at Thornbridge Hall to a 30-barrel facility in Bakewell reflects the expansion of the craft beer movement in the UK. Its export to 33 countries and operation of 12 pubs demonstrate a broad commercial reach. The 2024 recommissioning of the Burton Union brewing set, a historic fermentation system, connects Thornbridge to traditional British brewing methods while maintaining its modern craft identity. The brewery's consistent award recognition at international competitions such as the World Beer Awards and World Beer Cup, along with accolades from the Guild of Fine Food and BBC Radio 4, underscore its standing in both the beer industry and broader food and drink culture. The diverse core range, spanning cask, keg and bottled formats across multiple styles from golden ale to imperial IPA, shows a commitment to variety and quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thornbridge Brewery?
Thornbridge is an independent English brewery established in 2005. It originally operated out of Thornbridge Hall before relocating its base to Bakewell in Derbyshire.
What is Thornbridge's core beer range?
Their regular lineup includes cask ales like Brother Rabbit, Jaipur, Kipling, Lord Marples, and Wild Swan, alongside keg and bottled options such as Halcyon, Chiron, Colorado Red, and Wild Raven.
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