From Grain to Glass
Did you know we brew our own beers? Local brewer Mark Riches crafts Brancaster Brewery ales to our very own recipes, using the best regional ingredients, including Maris Otter barley from Branthill Farm, just up the road in Wells-next-the-Sea. Each pint is a celebration of Norfolk’s rich brewing heritage and local craftsmanship.
Keep an eye out for the pump clips featuring original artwork by local watercolour artist Ken Tidd - a nod to the beauty of our coastal surroundings. Fancy a taste? Pop in and try one of our rotating seasonal ales.
Local history in every pint
Brancaster Brewery is a small but mighty 5-barrel brewery, producing small batches of top-quality real ale. This village has brewing in its bones – records show it dates all the way back to Roman times! In fact, in 1797, the largest malthouse in the country was built here, just across the road from The Jolly Sailors, using bricks salvaged from the nearby Roman fort.
While the malthouse may be long gone, Brancaster Brewery keeps the tradition alive, pouring local history, passion, and the finest ingredients into every pint. So come on in, grab a glass, and taste a bit of Brancaster’s heritage. Cheers!
The origins of The Smuggler
William Hotching RSE (rum smuggler extraordinaire) born in 1784 was first & foremost a humble shellfish carrier, formerly a smuggler.
The Hoe property on the marsh side of the road in Brancaster Staithe (to the left of The White Horse), probably built in the early 1800s, comprised 3 cottages; the easterly one of which was used by William as his Hat & Feathers beer house. He operated an illicit still & was also involved with cock fighting. He became a very successful smuggler owning a coastal lugger and having shares in a cutter.
His smuggling hunting ground ran from the coast at Wells to the Wash & into Lincoln. The shore, being awash with creeks, making secret landings comparatively easy.
