Elgood & Sons Brewery

This family-run brewery is housed in a purpose-built Georgian building on the bank of the River Nene. The brewery has been operating since 1795, making it one of Britain’s oldest.

There are 4.5 acres of gardens with a maze at Elgood’s. They are well worth a wander around but the real stars are the award-winning beers! The bar and brewery shop here sell Elgood’s ever-popular core ales – including Cambridge Bitter, Golden Newt and Black Dog – plus a varied range of bottled brews.

In 2013 Elgood’s started to brew using its unique pair of giant copper pans called “Coolships”. The vessels – around 100 years old – have been brought back into service to produce Elgood’s exciting range of sour beers. These award-wining lambic-style ales are brewed via a process that encourages the development of wild yeasts. Elgood’s staple sour is its excellent Coolship (subtly tart and brilliant with food thanks to its refreshing, palate-cleansing properties) but it has developed a wonderful range of fruity sours, too. The cherry, for example, is a delight, with a heady aroma and flavour.

We would highly recommend a brewery tour, although these are not available during winter, so check for opening times. Please note, too, that the brewery tour is not suitable for visitors with mobility problems due to the number of stairs.

By Philip Seaman, Cambridgeshire editor