Farm Yard Brew Co was founded in 2017 on the Holmes family's farm in Cockerham, Lancashire, after sixth-generation farmer Steven Holmes turned his interest in homebrewing into a new future for the farm. The brewery produces a broad permanent range alongside regularly changing specials and operates a vibrant onsite taproom.
Brewery story
Farm Yard grew from Moss Edge Farm, which had been in the Holmes family for five generations. In 2016, Steven Holmes began looking for a way to diversify the family farm and turned an increasingly serious homebrewing hobby into plans for a commercial brewery.
Farm Yard Ales launched in 2017 with a purpose-built brewery and 2,000-litre brewing plant. Darius joined as head brewer soon afterwards, helping establish the brewery's identity, while continued growth led to additional tanks, an onsite canning line and the opening of a taproom overlooking the brewery.
The brewery adapted during the 2020 hospitality closures by moving its production into cans and selling directly to customers. Growth resumed with additional staff, brewing capacity and events, including the brewery's FYA music festival.
In 2022, Farm Yard Ales became Farm Yard Brew Co as part of a wider rebrand. Solar panels were installed to generate around half of the brewery's annual energy requirements, while further expansion increased production capacity. Today, Farm Yard combines its permanent beers and regular specials with a busy rural taproom, food, live music and brewery events.
Sources
Taproom
A lively taproom overlooking the brewery, serving Farm Yard beer across 12 keg and three cask lines alongside cans, wines, spirits and alcohol-free drinks. The taproom hosts live music and events, with food from resident vendor Marrow.
Gulf Lane, Cockerham, LA2 0ER
A lively taproom overlooking the brewery, serving Farm Yard beer across 12 keg and three cask lines alongside cans, wines, spirits and alcohol-free drinks. The taproom hosts live music and events, with food from resident vendor Marrow.
