Coniston Brewing Company is an independent brewery based in the Lake District village of Coniston, Cumbria. Founded in 1995 by Ian Bradley, the brewery operates a 10-barrel plant behind the Black Bull Inn and produces around 40 barrels of beer each week. Its cask beers are supplied to more than 100 outlets across the North West, while bottled beers are distributed more widely in the UK and overseas.
Brewery story
Coniston Brewing Company was founded in 1995 by Ian Bradley, whose family owned the Black Bull Inn in Coniston. After studying brewing, Ian established the brewery directly behind the family pub, creating a natural link between production and the licensed trade.
The brewery began with a 10-barrel plant and quickly built a reputation for traditional cask-conditioned beer. Its location behind the Black Bull gave the business an immediate outlet for its beers while also keeping brewing closely connected to the hospitality side of the family business.
Coniston developed a focused range of regular beers and steadily expanded its distribution. The brewery now produces around 1,600 gallons of beer per week, equivalent to approximately 40 barrels, supplying more than 100 customer outlets across the North West.
The brewery's bottled beers have also helped extend its reach beyond the local cask market. Varieties including Bluebird and Old Man have been shipped internationally to markets including the United States, Sweden and Hong Kong, while bottled Coniston beers are also available through major UK retailers and online.
The relationship between the brewery and the Black Bull remains central to Coniston's identity. The historic inn, which dates back around 400 years, serves Coniston's cask beers alongside food and accommodation, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy the brewery's beer just metres from where it is produced.
Today, Coniston Brewing Company remains rooted in its Lake District home, combining a relatively compact brewing operation with broad regional distribution and international recognition. Its long-standing connection to the Black Bull continues to shape the brewery's character and approach to beer.
Taproom
The Black Bull Inn & Hotel is the historic pub directly associated with Coniston Brewing Company, with the brewery situated immediately behind it. The inn serves a range of cask-conditioned Coniston beers alongside food and accommodation, providing the most direct place to drink the brewery's beers close to where they are made.
Coniston, Cumbria
The Black Bull Inn & Hotel is the historic pub directly associated with Coniston Brewing Company, with the brewery situated immediately behind it. The inn serves a range of cask-conditioned Coniston beers alongside food and accommodation, providing the most direct place to drink the brewery's beers close to where they are made.
