A HARD-WORKING businessman is raising a glass to his micro-brewery which is set to rapidly expand into the Vale.
Rob Wintrip went into the brewery industry with just £33 to his name, but has finally seen his dream become a reality with his own ‘Hafren’ ale being served in pubs and restaurants across the county.
After helping his friend set-up a brewery in Yorkshire, Mr Wintrip decided to set-up the Three Shires Brewery in Lower Wick, Worcester, brewing five times a week to produce around 100 litres of Hafren – a roasted chestnut coloured traditional bitter.
But demand became so high, the 33-year-old social care worker had to upgrade to a hand-built 600 litre brewery, to supply pubs across the Vale.
“The story of Three Shires Brewery began as a pipe dream for me in the summer of 2013 while sipping fine ale by a log fire in the Lake District,” said Mr Wintrip.
“Two long hard years later, after working more than 100 hours a week cleaning tables and pulling pints, my micro-brewery was built from scratch using all my wages to buy the equipment bit by bit.
“The success of Hafren has happened so quickly the need to rapidly expand is essential.
“With no fancy equipment I’ve had to master an old and traditional standard of brewing that reflects many fine ales which are enjoyed today.
“Attention to detail is vital to creating the perfect pint and the response to Hafren from beer drinkers has been absolutely fantastic.
“I hope more pubs, bars and restaurants will try it as a guest ale soon,” he added.
