WHEN a pair of beer enthusiasts followed their dream to buy a micro brewery in the idyllic surroundings of Richmond in North Yorkshire, they also transformed the lives of a husband and wife team they employed to run the business.

Richmond Brewing Company changed hands in April when Chris Wallace, from Manchester, and Pete Loft, from Edinburgh, bought the six-barrel brewery located at the Station, Richmond, after spending more than 25 years together working for major brewing companies.

And after a meeting with newly-graduated brewer Nick Elliot the team hit the ground running and have enjoyed a hectic six months – which has also seen Mr Wallace and Mr Loft take over the Hildyard Arms in Colburn and the Bolton Arms in Leyburn.

Mr Elliot, formerly working in the banking industry in London, made the lifechanging decision to take a degree in brewing and distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, and took on the job as brewer at RBC just days after graduating.

Mr Elliot’s wife Michelle Tierney, who does marketing and sales for the company, said the fledgling business was going very well and they were working hard to create strong links with local pubs and shops.

She said: “Chris and Pete are in Richmond every week even though they do not live in Richmond at the moment, because it’s important to them to know the local area well.

“They are passionate about making the three businesses work and get involved in the brewery shop and frequently work in the Bolton Arms.”

At the brewery Mr Elliot aims to make quality beers with great flavour, using ingredients that are locally sourced wherever possible – but always sourced in the U.K.

There are currently three beers on offer at Richmond Brewing Company.

Station Ale is described as a refreshing, golden coloured ale with a clean, crisp bitterness and subtle fruit and floral aromas.

It is brewed using hedgerow hops and 100 per cent malted barley, and is named after the home for the brewery.

Stump Cross Ale, named after Stump Cross Caravans near Pateley Bridge, is described as an ambercoloured ale with a sweet, malty flavor and aromas of citrus and toffee, with a real depth of flavor.

Swale Ale is the company’s drinkable dark brown ale with a smooth, roasted coffee flavor and light body and bitterness.

Mr Elliot and Ms Tierney regularly attend local farmers markets and food and drink festivals to build relationships with other local businesses and the communities they serve.

Get the beers in

  • A three 500ml bottle gift pack containing one of each of the ales costs £8 and is available online or from local stockists and pubs.
  • Stockists include: Mainsgill Farm Shop, East Layton; Ken Warne Store, Richmond; Reahs of Masham; Zetland Wines, Northallerton; Reeth Post Office & Corner Shop 
  • Visit www.richmondbrewing.co.uk or call (01748) 828266.