The evening combined world-class technical brewing insights with a major celebration of local charitable giving.

A £12,000 Boost for Worthy Causes

A total of £12,000 was gifted between 4 very deserving charities

Before the evening’s formal presentations got underway, the Alliance marked the incredible success of the Oxford Beer Week. Generously sponsored by the Witney Branch of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), the multi-year festival initiative successfully raised a massive £12,000 for charitable purposes.

Four distinct charities were presented with donations of £3,000 each during an informal ceremony:

• Helen & Douglas House – Providing vital hospice care for local children.

• The Licensed Trade Charity – Supporting individuals working in the drinks industry.

• The Earth Trust – Championing environmental sustainability and green spaces.

• NOXAIDUK – Providing critical humanitarian aid to Ukraine.

In a poignant moment captured outside the brewery, members of the Oxford Brewers Alliance and the charity recipients gathered for a group photo in front of a fire engine. The vehicle is slated to be driven directly to Ukraine by NOXAIDUK to assist in ongoing emergency relief efforts.

Science, Sales, and Solidarity

Following the presentations, attendees were treated to a deep-dive technical lecture from Steph Brindley PhD, representing Crisp Malt, who shared the latest advancements and insights into malting science with the region’s top independent brewers.

Reflecting on the high turnout, Alena Hemingway, Head of Sales and Marketing at Little Ox Brewing, reached out to thank the network on behalf of the OBA committee (Rick, Mattias, Ian, and Joe):

“It was nice to see so many of us last night, what a great turnout and a fantastic talk. Big thanks to James for hosting.”

Hook Norton Brewery is delighted to continue supporting the OBA, fostering collaboration across Oxfordshire’s vibrant brewing community while helping to drive meaningful support for local and international charities alike.

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Hook Norton has had an organised Fire Brigade since 1896. Prior to that, responsibility for fire protection in rural communities often fell to the Church. Somewhere between 1725 and 1735, St Peter’s Church acquired a Richard Newsham manual fire engine. This was a corridor-type appliance with a positive displacement pump, operated by handles on each side, which would have required six to eight men to pump. It had a brass nozzle fixed to the top of the pump, and the fire hose was made of leather. Also kept with the fire engine was a large metal hook on a long wooden pole, used for removing burning thatch. Whilst the village possessed this fire engine, there was no formal brigade, and they relied entirely on volunteers being alerted by the ringing of the church bells.

As a result of legislative changes and the need to formalise firefighting arrangements, responsibility eventually passed to local authorities – Parish, District, Borough, and City Councils. Hook Norton Parish Council formed the Hook Norton Fire Brigade under the leadership of Captain Harris. A new fire engine was purchased: a Shand Mason horse-drawn, manually operated fire pump. In 1928, Captain Harris retired, and Bill Clarke took over as Captain. He led a campaign to acquire a motorised fire appliance, and following successful fundraising and Parish Council support, a Merryweather Hatfield trailer pump was bought. This was towed to fires by any suitable vehicle available at the time.

In 1941, the Fire Service in the UK was nationalised, and few records exist from the wartime period. Post-war, a new fire station was built in Hook Norton, and a wartime Fordson fire engine with a rebuilt post-war body entered service. The major change at the time was that fire engines began to be built with larger water tanks, which were essential for effective firefighting in rural areas where mains supplies and fire hydrants were not always available.

Roll on to 2026. We have always enjoyed a good relationship with the local fire service, and they recently came to the brewery to undertake some pumping drills. We maintain underground water supplies in case of fire, which proved essential when we suffered a fire at the stables in 2024. The drills involved pumping water from these supplies and delivering it along lengths of hose, helping the crew understand how much hose is needed to reach all areas, and what additional resources might be required should an incident occur. So, while the modern Volvo fire engine may be state-of-the-art—with a computer-controlled pumping system able to deliver large quantities of water—it is very different to Richard Newsham’s design. Yet, it remains just as important that the crew know how to operate it safely and effectively. These are crews who are prepared to be summoned from work, from home, or from bed to answer that emergency call when it comes. Times may change, but the purpose and commitment fundamentally do not. It’s a bit like Hooky, really.

We raise a glass to all emergency responders across the country and the globe: people who are prepared to run towards danger when we run the opposite way, and people who bring not just professional help, but compassion and calm to challenging situations.

Your efforts are herculean, and we all thank you.

The post From Church Bells to Computer Pumps: The Everlasting Commitment of Hook Norton’s Firefighters appeared first on Hook Norton Brewery.

It’s the barley that provides the driving rhythm, the heavy lifting, and the deep, rich soul that holds the whole track together. Without it, you’ve just got a lot of noise and no substance.

Recently, Hook Norton’s own Dave and Ed were invited by our long-standing partners, Simpsons Malt, to a Maris Otter Day in Cambridgeshire. They headed out into the East Anglian countryside to visit two farms dedicated to growing this premium barley, getting a firsthand look at the passion—and the challenges—behind our favourite ingredient.

The Modern Battle for Premium Barley

The European Cereal Leaf Beetle (Oulema melanopus) and the Cereal Ground Beetle (Zabrus tenebrioides) are responsible for this patch of crop damamge

Glancing out over a beautiful field of British barley, it’s easy to forget how tough modern farming has become. Our agricultural partners are facing a perfect storm of challenges:

• Unpredictable Weather: Shifting climates are narrowing harvest windows.

• Skyrocketing Costs: Fertiliser prices have spiked by well over 25% this year alone.

• Strict Regulations: The 21st-century regulatory landscape makes licensing new, effective insecticides incredibly difficult.

Because of this, many farmers are looking away from traditional brewing grains. Some are turning their land over to solar farms, while others are shifting to Anaerobic Digestion (AD) crops like maize, grass, and oilseeds to fuel green energy.

It makes the dedicated farmers who stick with malting barley true heroes in our book.

Why Hooky Chooses Maris Otter

Premium beer demands premium ingredients. That is why Hook Norton Brewery proudly sticks with Maris Otter barley.

To be fair to modern, high-yield barley varieties, Maris Otter actually produces slightly lower extract yields per tonne. But honestly? We will gladly trade a bit of volume for the legendary, premium flavour our customers expect when they order a pint of Hooky.

“We’ll gladly trade a lower yield for the premium flavour our customers recognise in our beers.” James Clarke, Managing Director, Hook Norton Brewery

Here is exactly what Maris Otter brings to your glass:

• Superior Flavour & Body: Unlike modern, neutral pale malts, Maris Otter delivers a robust, mid-mouth body, a lingering malt sweetness, and distinct, complex biscuit or cracker-like notes.

• Exceptional Clarity: It boasts an excellent husk volume, which creates a brilliant natural filter bed during the brewing process (lautering). This makes wort separation smooth and helps our finished beers clear up quickly—a non-negotiable trait for top-tier cask ale.

• Reliable Consistency: Thanks to carefully controlled growing and seed reselection in the UK, this heritage variety is prevented from degrading, ensuring reliable performance harvest after harvest.

A Partnership Built to Last

After a fascinating day talking shop in the fields, Dave and Ed headed back to Simpsons Malt for a tour of their state-of-the-art maltings site at Tivetshall—one of their two premier locations in the UK.

Hook Norton Brewery has been proudly sourcing from Simpsons Malt since 1992. Seeing the care they put into their craft only reinforces why we do what we do. We’ve shared over three decades of brewing history together, and we thoroughly look forward to our continued association, ensuring the next pint of Hooky you pour is just as exceptional as the last.

Cheers to the farmers, the maltsters, and the lead guitarist of great British beer!

The post From Field to Glass: Why We Stick with the “Lead Guitarist” of Beer appeared first on Hook Norton Brewery.

The OxBOoSt network will meet at Hook Norton Brewery on Tuesday 2nd June from 4:00pm to 5:30pm and is open to all Oxfordshire based businesses to join (and its free!).

The Number 1 regular meet-up for Oxfordshire businesses who want to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas. Enterprise Oxfordshire Business engages with thousands of business owners and leaders every year providing knowledge, advice and other business development support. But until now there hasn’t been an easy way to help these businesses to network. Problem solved…

Each meeting will include 5-8 pre-arranged slots for businesses to share their story or pitch for collaboration and a forward look of business support from Enterprise Oxfordshire. And of course there will be plenty of time for networking.

You can request one of the business story slots on the booking form.

RESERVE YOUR SLOT HERE

You must be based in Oxfordshire and have completed Enterprise Oxfordshire’s Business Support Tool since the 1st of November 2025 to attend this event. If you purchase a ticket without completing this, your ticket will be cancelled. Business Support Tool – Enterprise Oxfordshire Business

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Mark Higgs owner of award winning Freespirit Pubs, who has held the Hook Norton tenancy for the past eight years, ran by Rebecca Hall, General Manager who operates pub day-to-day, are marking this milestone by hosting a special event: the gift of 88 free lunches to members of the local community on Friday 22nd May.

The celebration will bring together a wide range of residents, including the village Widows Group, volunteers from Hooky Neighbours who provide vital support to older residents such as collecting prescriptions, shopping, and transport to appointments and those who benefit from their care, including individuals with mobility challenges or who may otherwise feel isolated. Guests will also include members of the local pantry and food bank initiative.
The event is designed not only to celebrate the pub’s anniversary, but to strengthen the bonds within the community by bringing together people of all ages and circumstances, particularly those who may experience loneliness or require additional support.

“Running a village pub over the past eight years has been incredibly rewarding, but not without its challenges,” said the Rebecca. “Like many in the hospitality industry, we’ve faced difficult times, but the support of our community has always kept us going. This felt like the perfect way to say thank you and bring people together.”

The initiative has also been made possible thanks to the generosity of local suppliers, many of whom have donated or discounted food for the occasion. Their support highlights the strong network of local businesses working together to make a positive difference.

The Sun Inn has long been more than just a pub it has become a hub for connection, support, and community spirit in Hook Norton. This celebration reflects its ongoing commitment to playing a meaningful role in village life.

The Sun Inn website :- www.thesuninn-hooknorton.co.uk

Free Spirit Pubs www.freespiritpubs.co.uk

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Tim Gilkes with his award

We are always proud to see members of the Hook Norton family go on to achieve great things in the world of real ale, and today we have a special reason to celebrate.

Tim Gilkes, a familiar face to many as the former manager of The Pear Tree (2019–2021), has reached a major milestone in his career. Last night, at the Malt Shovel Tavern in Northampton, Tim was officially crowned the CAMRA Overall Winner for the local branch.

Our Free Trade Regional Account Manager, Derek Pratt, was on hand to witness the presentation and catch up with his former colleague.

“It’s genuinely great to see a former employee doing so well,” said Derek. “Watching Tim receive this award from CAMRA was a proud moment. It’s a fantastic achievement, and we wish him every success as he moves forward to the regional level of the competition.”

While Tim is now making his mark at the Malt Shovel Tavern, his commitment to excellence and the perfect pint clearly remains as strong as ever.

Congratulations, Tim! We’ll be raising a glass of Hooky to your success and cheering you on as you head into the regional heats.

The post Hook Norton Alumnus Triumphs: Tim Gilkes Named CAMRA Branch Winner appeared first on Hook Norton Brewery.

At Hook Norton Brewery, we love seeing the incredible initiatives our pub teams come up with for the community. This May, the team at Duval Inns is stepping up—literally—to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

On Saturday 16th May, a dedicated group of managers, staff, and locals from the Great Western Arms, The Highwayman, and The Bell at Hampton Poyle will take on a challenging 16.5-mile trek to support life-saving research.

A Mission Close to Home
For Duval Inns Operations Director, Mark Duval, the motivation for this walk is deeply personal. Having seen his family impacted by the disease—honouring the memory of his grandmother, Carol Saunders, and celebrating his father Nick’s successful recovery—Mark knows firsthand how important every donation is.

“Cancer Research is close to my heart,” says Mark. “But the sad reality is that my family is just a tiny number of the people affected. Many people within our company have been impacted one way or the other, and we want to help make a difference.”

The Route: From Aynho to Hampton Poyle
The team will be putting their boots to the towpath for a journey expected to take roughly six hours, connecting their three establishments:

• The Start: The Great Western Arms in Aynho.
• The Midpoint: A long scenic stretch along the canal to The Highwayman Hotel.
• The Finish: A final push through the fields via public footpaths to The Bell at Hampton Poyle.

Meet the Team
It’s a true group effort, with a dedicated roster of walkers including:
Lauren & Ashley Walton, Nicole Barclay, William Tattersall, Dani Coles, Barney Neal, Jenny Crowie, Alexandra Dumitrache, Harry Leigh, Izzy Millet-Clay, Grace Grossman, Miranda Chaplin, Shirley Chick, and Chris Allen.

Even those who have to work during the day are favouring a team-player approach, with staff from The Highwayman joining the group for specific legs of the journey.

How You Can Support
The team has set an initial fundraising goal of £500, but they are hoping to smash that target with your support. Whether it’s the price of a pint or a larger contribution, every penny goes towards the fight against cancer.

Donate Online Here: Duval Inns GoFundMe Page

Looking Ahead
This walk is just the start of a programme of giving for Duval Inns this year. Keep an eye out for their Annual Summer Music Event on 1st August, with even more charity events currently being organised for later in the year.

Let’s get behind the team and help them reach their goal!

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Whether you’ve topped the podium or clinched a prestigious award, big achievements deserve a legendary toast. Bring your gold medal or official award certificate down to the brewery, and we’ll reward your hard graft with a free, refreshing pint of Hooky Gold.

Simply show your prize to the team at the Malthouse Kitchen bar to claim your zesty celebration. You’ve done the hard work; now it’s time to sit back and enjoy the golden taste of victory on the house!

James Clarke

Managing Director & 5th Generation,
Hook Norton Brewery

Over 18 years old only. No cash alternative. Offer ends 30/06/2026

AVAILABLE IN A HANDY BOTTLE

CASE OF 12 X 500ML BOTTLES

BUY NOW

The post Have a beer on us – Gold for Gold: You Win, We Pour appeared first on Hook Norton Brewery.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Hooky Gold, the award-winning golden ale from Hook Norton Brewery, first brewed in 2006 using aromatic American Willamette hops from the Oregon valley.

Hooky Gold (4.1%)
See: Pale, golden
Smell: Citrus, fruit, delicate spice
Taste: Fruity, zesty

A perfect thirst-quencher, Hooky Gold combines traditional English hops—Goldings and Fuggles—with the American Willamette, the king of aroma hops. The result is a distinctive blend of zesty citrus flavours with a gentle touch of spice.

While it was once thought to be the first beer from the brewery to feature American hops, a dive into historic brew books revealed that such experimentation dates back as far as 1914—further proof of Hook Norton’s long-standing innovative spirit!

To mark this milestone, Hook Norton Brewery will be celebrating throughout May and June with a series of “golden moments,” including competitions and special events across its pubs and at the brewery. James Clarke, Managing Director is inviting anyone with a gold medal – any gold medal – 10 metre swim or running the Sahara Desert – to bring it along to the brewery and be rewarded with a glass of Hooky Gold – cheers! Full details can be found on the dedicated Hooky Gold website www.hookygold.com along with all the photos and videos you’ll ever need about this modern classic..

Celebrations begin with a special launch event at The Eagle Tavern, Witney, on Thursday 30th April from 6pm to 7pm.

Free samples of Hooky Gold will be available, and brewers will be on hand to share insights into the beer and its story. The event will also support a meaningful cause. Landlord Paul Spinks has undertaken an extraordinary 200-mile cycle ride from Witney, Oxfordshire to his hometown of Hull, Yorkshire, in memory of his wife Fiona, who sadly passed away last year aged just 53. The “Highway to Hull” challenge aims to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support.

James Clarke, Managing Director of Hook Norton Brewery, said:
“Hooky Gold has become a real modern classic for us over the past 20 years—an ale that perfectly balances tradition with a more contemporary, aromatic hop character. It’s a beer that continues to win people over, whether they’re long-time Hook Norton drinkers or discovering us for the first time. We’re incredibly proud of its story, and even more so to be celebrating this milestone alongside such a meaningful cause. Paul’s ‘Highway to Hull’ challenge is truly inspiring, and we’re honoured to support his efforts to raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support while bringing people together over a pint of Hooky Gold.”

Hooky Gold will be available throughout May and June in cask at the brewery, in Hook Norton pubs, and in selected free houses. It is also available year-round in bottle from the brewery shop, local retailers, and online at hooknortonales.co.uk.

The post Celebrate 20 Years of Iconic Hooky Gold – A modern classic appeared first on Hook Norton Brewery.

A few weeks ago, Idle Hands welcomed Allen of Amory’s Tomb Brewing and our very own Andy Thomas of Hook Norton Brewery for a special brew day. The result is Stories of Our Youth, a traditional British stout crafted with care and shared passion.

At a sessionable 4.2% ABV, Stories of Our Youth delivers rich, classic stout character while remaining smooth and approachable—perfect for welcoming the warmer season.

This limited, draft-only release will be available exclusively at Idle Hands Craft Ales and Amory’s Tomb. Beer lovers will get their first chance to try it when it hits the taps this Thursday at 3:00 PM.

Location:
Idle Hands Craft Ales
89 Commercial Street
Malden, MA 02148-5509

For more information, visit:
https://www.idlehandscraftales.com/

https://www.amorystomb.com/

About the Collaboration
This partnership brings together three breweries with deep respect for traditional brewing methods and community-driven craft beer culture. Stories of Our Youth reflects that shared ethos—classic in style, collaborative in spirit.

The post Amory’s Tomb x Hook Norton x Idle Hands Collab appeared first on Hook Norton Brewery.

We’re excited to unveil Opus Pocus, a 4.3% Extra Pale Ale that perfectly balances time-honoured brewing tradition with a touch of modern flair.

We invited the legends from Arbor Ales—Ella, James, Sean, and Cameron—to join us at Hooky for a brand-new collaboration brew. The recipe and brewing process were a true joint effort, with the beer brewed here and the Arbor team on-site for the day—bringing their expertise and energy to create something special.

Built on a light, clean foundation of extra pale malt and torrefied wheat, Opus Pocus is crisp and refreshing. While the malt bill lays the groundwork, it’s the hops that really steal the show.

Basically “spring in a glass,” brewed using 100% English hops from Charles Faram. Featuring Opus, Jester, and Harlequin, highlighting the exciting evolution of UK-grown varieties, bursting with citrus, floral notes, and tropical fruit.

Opus Pocus 4.3%

See: Extra pale and bright
Taste: Crisp, dry finish with a subtle, clean bitterness
Smell: Citrus, floral notes, and tropical fruit

Opus Pocus will be available at the brewery, across Hook Norton pubs, and in discerning free houses.

Find out more about Arbor Ales HERE

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Celebrating 177 years of independent brewing, Hook Norton Brewery proudly unveils its latest anniversary release: 177 Strong Ale. A bold, robust beer crafted to honour the brewery’s rich heritage and remarkable brewing tradition.As the name suggests, 177 Strong Ale is a powerful, full-bodied ale 7.7%, brewed with a trio of all-English hops. Expect the delicate smoothness of Goldings, the subtle spice of Challenger, and the floral character of Fuggles, combining to create a complex yet beautifully balanced strong ale worthy of its celebratory status.

This year’s anniversary ale pays tribute to the brewery’s extraordinary 1899 Grist Mill – a rare and remarkable piece of Victorian engineering still in daily use. Unusually located on the fourth floor of the brewery tower, the mill continues to play a vital role in the brewing process today.

The mill features:
A Malt Dressing machine made by Nalder & Nalder of Wantage (the distinctive wooden-covered components)

A Milling machine manufactured by Buxton & Thornley of Burton-on-Trent (recognisable by its red-painted elements)
The Malt Dressing machine prepares the grain by removing dust and grading it by size before milling. The mill’s twin roller sets then crush the smaller and larger grains separately, ensuring an even grind and maximum extract from the mash.

There can be few machines anywhere in the UK still operating daily that were first installed in 1899 – making it not just a brewing tool, but a living part of British brewing heritage.

Hook Norton first began brewing special anniversary ales in its 167th year. Since then, a new commemorative ale has been released annually, each increasing in strength by one percent to mark the passing years – creating a unique and much-anticipated collector’s series for beer enthusiasts.

177 Strong Ale continues this proud tradition: bold in character, steeped in history, and brewed with the craftsmanship that has defined Hook Norton for nearly two centuries.

177 Strong Ale is available in 500ml bottles exclusively from the Brewery Shop and online here.

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