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History
Chesterfield’s own microbrewer, Alan Wood of Townes Brewery is currently Chesterfield’s only microbrewer.  Alan is celebrating 10 years of brewing in Chesterfield, originally on Lockoford Lane in Chesterfield, hence the name of one of Townes regulars, Lockoford Best Bitter. The Brewery was established at Lockoford Lane in 1994 bringing brewing back to Chesterfield after a break of nearly 40 years.  Then in 1998 he moved lock, stock and literally barrels to a room at the back of the bar at the Speedwell in Staveley, Chesterfield.

The doors of The Speedwell Inn were re-opened on 23 November 1998 after the pub was bought and refurbished by Townes. So, after a 43-year gap, drinkers could enjoy locally brewed beers at the Speedwell again. 

When Alan and his partners moved in, the place had been unoccupied for some time and a complete refurbishment was needed. Some investment and a lot of hard work later the Speedwell is now a comfortable, clean, tastefully decorated and relaxing place to enjoy Alan’s beers. There is no jukebox to interfere with the serious business of drinking. The corridor ‘out the back’ which leads to the entrance to Townes Brewery is unusual in its décor, as the walls are papered using old copies of the national CAMRA monthly newspaper What’s Brewing.

Alan enjoyed brewing as a hobby before moving from his job as a photography teacher to become a full time brewer. He now produces 4 regular beers plus a monthly special.

Distribution is the key to survival and selling to the free trade has becomes harder, you have to have your own outlet. Hence the move from the unit at Lockoford Lane into the Speedwell Inn at Staveley, giving Alan a permanent outlet for his beers.

How did the brewery be named Townes?  As well as being real ale lovers Alan and his partners’ other social interest was live music. A few interested parties had been sat around for ages trying to think of a name when in 1994 they heard a gig in a Doncaster pub and it was clear. The (now late) Townes Van Zandt was the one and Townes Brewery was named.

Tasting Notes
IPA - 4.5%
A well-crafted flavoursome IPA of little aroma and a good bitter sweet balanced taste. This leads to a lingering aftertaste, which is predominantly sweet with hoppy undertones.

Lockoford Best Bitter - 4.0%
Townes' original golden bitter. Caramel and vanilla are present in both the aroma and taste, which develops to give a lingering bitter aftertaste, with a hint of sweetness and malt throughout.

Lowgate Light - 4.1%
A golden, clear wheat beer with a true bitterness balanced by fragrant floral hoppy character.

Staveley Cross - 4.3%
A standard quaffing beer from the Speedwell, balanced hop and malt typical of Townes.

Oatmeal Stout - 4.8%
Black and deliciously smooth - Voted Chesterfield "Beer of the Festival" 2004

Staveleyan - 4.9%
(Is it pronounced "Stave lee an" or "Stav el ee an", you decide!)
Citrusy golden premium ale. A floral, hoppy beer with a smooth aftertaste. An outstanding example of the new generation of Derbyshire Pale Ales. Townes' flagship ale.

Tasting notes coming soon for...
Speedwell Bitter
Pynot Porter
Essence  

Contact Details

Townes Brewery Speedwell Inn Lowgates Staveley Chesterfield Derbyshire S43 3TT Tel: 01246 474665 Click here for a map of the area

This webpage was last updated on Sunday, 02 September 2007

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