Jennings is a historic independent Cumbrian brewery founded in 1828 and based at Castle Brewery in Cockermouth since 1874. After closing in 2022, the brewery returned to local family ownership and reopened in 2025, once again brewing its classic ales in Cockermouth alongside new and seasonal beers.
Brewery story
Jennings was founded by John Jennings in the village of Lorton in 1828. As demand grew, the family acquired the Old Brewery beneath Cockermouth Castle in 1874, establishing the Castle Brewery that remains Jennings' home today. A well sunk beneath the brewery in 1884 continues to provide the water used for its beers.
Jennings grew into one of Cumbria's best-known breweries, developing beers including Castle Bitter, Cumberland Ale, Cocker Hoop and Sneck Lifter. The business was acquired by Wolverhampton & Dudley in 2005, later becoming part of Marston's and subsequently its brewing joint venture with Carlsberg. Brewing at Cockermouth ceased and Castle Brewery closed in November 2022.
In 2025, Castle Brewery and the Jennings brand returned to local family ownership and brewing resumed in Cockermouth. Led by Managing Director Chris France and Head Brewer Buster Grant, the revived brewery is recreating classic Jennings recipes while developing new beers and seasonal releases. Its Castle Brewery home now also includes a taproom open seven days a week and brewery tours.
Taproom & tours
The onsite taproom at Jennings' historic Castle Brewery, pouring the full Jennings range on cask alongside seasonal and special releases. Open seven days a week, it also serves drinks from other Cumbrian producers and hosts a rotating selection of local street food vendors.
Brewery tours available
See behind the scenes and discover how the beer is made.
Castle Brewery, Cockermouth, Cumbria, CA13 9NE
The onsite taproom at Jennings' historic Castle Brewery, pouring the full Jennings range on cask alongside seasonal and special releases. Open seven days a week, it also serves drinks from other Cumbrian producers and hosts a rotating selection of local street food vendors.
