Jennings Brewery saved in family-run rescue deal

A historic beer making site has been saved.

Jennings Brewery has been rescued by entrepreneurs Kurt and Rebecca Canfield.

The duo say they will return production to the near 200-year-old base – which has stood idle since 2022 – in the coming months.

Pledging “extensive plans to enhance the site while respecting its heritage”, they add the venture will “create several new jobs” at the site in Cockermouth, Cumbria, including a head brewer role and sales and marketing positions.

Under the terms of the rescue package, sealed for an undisclosed sum, bottled beer under the Jennings brand will be sold by existing owner Carlsberg Britvic until March 2025, when production will transfer to Jennings Brewery Ltd.

Jennings brand rights, including all trademarks, intellectual property and recipes will also transfer to the brewery’s new owners.

Kurt, who will complement time running the brewery with his existing role as chief executive of Whitehaven-headquartered engineering and technology firm Delkia, said: “This project is a remarkable and ambitious endeavour, which we are taking on to benefit the entire community.

“The building is a historic landmark, but critical repairs are necessary and will take time before we can get back to brewing the great beer that Jennings is known for.”

Rebecca, known for drinks company Wine and the Wood, said: “As lifelong residents of West Cumbria, we have cherished Jennings Brewery and its beer for many years.

“We are delighted to bring Jennings back to the local area and to have it once again run by a family-owned business.

“The brewery has almost 200 years of brewing history, and one element that really attracted us was the fact it has its very own well.

“This is what makes it so beautiful and unique – an authentic Jennings beer can only be brewed with local water.”

David Bodily, Carlsberg Britvic head of properties and facilities, added: “We’re pleased to have completed the sale of Jennings Brewery to new, local owners.

“We wish Kurt and Rebecca every success.”

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