Millstone Brewery

Millstone Brewery was founded by Nick Boughton and Jon Hunt following several years of planning, research and practical brewing experience. The idea for establishing their own commercial brewery first developed during discussions while the pair were on holiday in France, eventually leading them to leave their respective careers and build a brewery business together.

In early 2003, brewery installer David Porter of Porter Brewing Company was commissioned to supply and install an eight-barrel brewing plant at Vale Mill in Mossley. The historic mill, part of the area's cotton and textile heritage, provided a fitting home for a brewery intended to restore a traditional craft to the town.

Nick and Jon spent the summer of 2003 preparing the unit themselves, supported by local contractors for specialist work. The brewing equipment was installed between late September and early October, initially with two fermenters and a potential production capacity of up to sixteen barrels per week.

Millstone's first beer, Three Shires Bitter, was released in late October 2003 and was well received. From that point, the brewery gradually expanded its range and production while building a network of regular outlets and distributors.

Over the years, Millstone has brewed a wide variety of beers but has since focused its range around a smaller group of established beers and occasional releases. Its modern core includes three regular beers, including a stout, alongside three occasional beers, while new recipes continue to be developed.

In 2019 the brewery team expanded when Tom Braithwaite joined the business. Alongside the day-to-day brewing workload, he helped develop new beers and supported Millstone's move into kegging and canning. He later became Director and Brewer as founders Nick Boughton and Jon Hunt moved into retirement.

Today, Millstone operates five fermenters from its Mossley brewery and distributes beer both locally and nationally. Although the original founders have retired, the brewery continues to build on their emphasis on quality, consistency and traditional independent brewing.