Member Article

New microbrewery is set to launch from popular Staffordshire Moorlands community pub

A popular Staffordshire Moorlands pub is set to become home to a growing local brewery.

Rural Brewing Co. was launched by Alton resident Rob Goodley in 2022.

Now plans have been unveiled to transform outbuildings at Alton’s historic White Hart into a brewery with a capacity to brew up to 2,000 litres of beer every three weeks.

Local residents will be able to see the brewery plans at the launch of Rural Brew IPA, at the historic High Street inn, on Saturday, September 10, at 6pm.

A planning application for change of use of the outbuildings is scheduled to go before Staffordshire Moorlands District Council in October.

The White Hart will invest in the fabric of the building while Rural Brewing Co. is kitting out the brewery which will have around 90 sq. metres of indoor space.

“We’re planning to have a glass fronted brewhouse, providing great beer and doubling as a feature for visitors to the pub,” said Tom Wilkinson, Chair of the White Hart Community Interest Company.

“Rob’s beers are excellent and he has a business plan which means he needs room to grow.

“We see the project as a real positive for the White Hart. and for Alton, and there’s an added bonus in backing a local Alton resident with his business plans.”

Rob, 32, started out as a home brewer and now has a microbrewery in the garage at his home. Currently, Rob perfects his beer recipes and test brews at home but, because of the lack of brewing capacity, he contracts out beer production.

His first larger brew was ready for the recent Queen’s Platinum Jubilee weekend.

Rural Brew has produced a pale ale, a best bitter, and an IPA. The IPA will be officially launched at the White Hart, on September 10, and will be available on draught, in kegs and cans.

The IPA is a 6.8% American-style brew, described by Rob as packing a punch, with stone fruit aromas intermingling with a clean, crisp malt finish.

Rob said: “It’s fantastic to get this opportunity to create Rural Brew in my home village.

“Local beer lovers have helped me to kick-start my brewery by getting involved in taste tests and Rural Brew pale ale has been available in cans from the White Hart all summer.”

Rob has been mentored by established brewers and has been given expert business advice by locally based entrepreneur and investor Nick Conway.

“The White Hart is the natural home for our brewery. It’s the oldest pub in the village and has always been at the heart of the community.”

The White Hart was bought was bought by Alton villagers after being put up for sale by pub chain Marston’s in 2014.

There are more than 70 shareholders in the White Hart Community Interest Company (CIC) which owns the pub and the neighbouring allotments.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Nigel Howle .