The Jolly Coopers in Epsom has launched a microbrewery, drawing on head brewer’s 30 years of experience in home brewing.
Fuzzchat, taken from the name given to a person born on Epsom Common, will brew ten ales, and four will normally rotate at the bar.
Head brewer Ray Hitt has begun operations from what was the nineteenth-century blacksmith’s cottage at the back of the pub in Wheelers Lane.
There was about a year between work starting on the cottage, which had not had a roof for some time, and the launch.
General manager Dan said: “When we launched the microbrewery it was the best day ever for the pub, in terms of business. We sold 18 barrels of beer in one and a half days.
“To put that in context, we usually do 10 a week. It was madness for a small pub like ours. We couldn’t have hoped for a better start.”
It is believed to be the first brewery started in Epsom in more than 90 years.
Dan said: “The support from locals and people coming from as far away as Staines was brilliant. We’re really lucky to be somewhere that people care about local businesses.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here