The last 12 months have been rather turbulent for The Weighbridge Inn on Derby Street, Burton upon Trent. First it changed hands with George and Walter selling the lease to the Burton Old Cottage Beer Company, and then there a few issues over the hot summer with the chiller in the cellar failing; however just when things were looking up, the brewery found itself put up for sale in spring of this year. It brewed its last pint in March and has since closed, with the pub following suit. A sad story.
Enter Muirhouse Brewery from Ilkeston, whom Burton drinkers may be familiar with, as their beers have been on at The Last Heretic and more recently at Bodell’s in Swadlincote. Founded ten years ago by Richard and Mandy Muir in their garage using a tiny 100 litre kit, they eventually moved to their current premises on the Manners Industrial Estate in Ilkeston in 2011.
“Whilst working a high-profile job full time, Richard brewed all day on a Sunday and looked after our son whilst I worked in the local supermarket,” explains Mandy Muir. “On February 15th 2011, Richard’s 40th birthday, he took ownership of a two-barrel kit, June 2011 saw the brewery become Richard’s full-time job.”
The Weighbridge Inn will be the couple’s third pub, following one in Ilkeston and The Last Post in Derby.
“We are installing new equipment in the cellar so that the beers are served at the correct temperature,” says Mandy. “We pride ourselves on quality, so there won’t be any issues there! Everyone remembers bad experiences we want ours to shout how good it is. We are also installing new keg fonts to serve Bitburger Lager and also the traditional cider, I don’t like seeing boxes of cider on the back of the bar and served warm.”
The plan is to have four handpulls, two Muirhouse beers and two guests, although don’t expect to see the same Muirhouse beers on all the time, as unlike many breweries they do not have a core range of beers.
“We like to keep both sets of customers interested in buying our beers. A little bit like a sweet shop you never know what you’re going to get? We brew twice a week and make eight different beers a month to keep our customers interested. A pub that has the same beers week in week out is boring! As they say variety is the spice of life.”
So then, a new start for the Weighbridge Inn: “We feel that the right place became available at the right time and we have no plans to change the name as it fits in with the surroundings.”
Although no date has been announced, expect The Weighbridge to be open for business in the very near future.
www.muirhousebrewery.co.uk
Great news Burton drinkers in for a treat
Richard and Mandy will serve excellent beers
I remember the Middle Earth Tavern opening with Steve and his lovely partner serving on the opening night. Steve breweing and selling his own beers. Honey Dragon, being a favourite beer of mine. Based on his Rivendale with honey. Fantastic drink. Someone needs to buy that beer off Steve. Steve had many a beer on tap along side his own. George and Walter
came along, also selling muirhouse ales. I do hope someone contacts Steve, brews his Honey Dragon. So miss that beer.
Welcome, Ian forgot to say that Roger had to give up brewing and the pub for health reasons.
As his B LO.
I wish to say a massive thank you to both him and Alan. For always being so very kind to me and our branch.
Also to wish you well . Shame I’m not in town on Saturday. But will pop in asap.