Keswick Brewery is an independent craft brewery in the Lake District town of Keswick, Cumbria. Founded in 2006 and based on a historic brewery site, it produces cask and keg beers on a 10-barrel plant with quality and environmental responsibility at the heart of the business. Visitors can drink at the onsite Fox Tap, browse the brewery shop and take a tour of the brewery.
Brewery story
Keswick Brewery was established after a long search for suitable premises led to a site on Brewery Lane in Keswick. Building work began in December 2005, and the team subsequently discovered that the location had previously been home to one of the town's historic breweries.
The modern brewery was equipped with a 10-barrel brewing plant, equivalent to around 1,600 litres or 2,880 pints per brew. Its first trial beer was presented at the Cumbria Life Food and Drink Festival in spring 2006 and at the Dog & Gun in Keswick, before full production began later that year.
Keswick's first production beers were launched at the Dog & Gun and Keswick Beer Festival in June 2006. The brewery's first beer was Thirst Run, a 4.2% golden pale ale which became one of its best sellers and inspired the use of 'Thirst' across other beers in the range.
Brewing on the site also reconnects Keswick with a much older local brewing tradition. The Old Brewery Company was formed there in 1889 to take over the business of Henry John Allison. The brewery and its associated pubs were offered for sale in 1896 before the business was acquired by Jennings of Cockermouth and the Keswick Brewery Company was liquidated in 1897.
Environmental considerations have been an important part of the modern brewery's development. Keswick describes quality and environmental issues as being at the heart of the business, with measures including sheep's wool insulation and efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its brewing operation.
As the brewery grew and collected awards, its original premises began to run short of space. An expansion completed in October 2019 provided additional brewing capacity as well as a new year-round bar, shop and facilities for brewery tours and events.
The resulting Fox Tap gives visitors the opportunity to drink Keswick beer directly at the brewery, with cask and keg beers served alongside packaged releases and other drinks. Together with brewery tours, its shop and regular Brewery Socials, the tap has turned the historic site into a destination for visitors as well as a working brewery.
Taproom & tours
The Fox Tap is Keswick Brewery's onsite bar, offering the opportunity to drink the brewery's beers where they are made. The bar serves up to six cask and four keg beers alongside bottled and canned releases, with vegan, gluten-free and low-alcohol options available. There are indoor and outdoor tables, a beer garden and an adjoining brewery shop, while the brewery also hosts regular socials and events.
Brewery tours available
See behind the scenes and discover how the beer is made.
The Old Brewery, Brewery Lane, Keswick, CA12 5BY
The Fox Tap is Keswick Brewery's onsite bar, offering the opportunity to drink the brewery's beers where they are made. The bar serves up to six cask and four keg beers alongside bottled and canned releases, with vegan, gluten-free and low-alcohol options available. There are indoor and outdoor tables, a beer garden and an adjoining brewery shop, while the brewery also hosts regular socials and events.
