Farmer's Boy to keep on brewing

9:03am Tuesday 21st February 2006

THE new owners of The Farmer's Boy, the only pub in St Albans to make its own beer, have promised to continue its proud brewing tradition.

Heidi Bancroft and her partner Gerry Madden, who have just bought the free house in London Road, have asked Kevin Yelland of the Lower Red Lion in Fishpool Street to use his expertise in their in-house brewery.

Iain Lowe from the South Hertfordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale said: "I think it's great news that the Verulam Brewery will continue brewing. We look forward to great beer coming from St Albans' only brewery."

"I'm sure local real ale enthusiasts will be relieved to hear that they will still be able to enjoy Clipper IPA and Farmers Joy from this cosy St Albans pub."

Former owners Viv and Tina Davies, who brewed there for many years and turned the pub into a Mecca for beer lovers, are planning a long overseas adventure on their Harley Davidson motorbike.

Ms Bancroft said: "We believe in a proper quality product that people want, and is a bit different. We will get someone in here to make sure it as good as it always has been.

"There is a lot of history in this pub,and we will make it even better. The Joy, Best and Yorkshire are sacred we won't change them."

But the couple have brought in some popular guest beers to supplement the pub's own brews. They are now selling off the last of Mr Davies' beer, but he has given his recipes to Mr Yelland to ensure the reputation for quality continues.

Mr Yelland, who will be renting the brewery off The Farmer's Boy and selling it the beer he produces, will also be making his own brews there for The Lower Red Lion and a handful of other pubs. He is waiting for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs to agree his brewing licence and hopes to begin work next week.

His fellow Lower Red Lion partner, Chris Atkins, said: "Kevin has a passion for brewing and has worked in a couple of micro-breweries before."

The new brews, perhaps as many as 20, will be revealed in a beer festival at the Fishpool Street pub in early April.

A spokesman for the Campaign for Real Ale said: "It is great news that the Verulam Brewery is going to continue at The Farmer's Boy.

Ms Bancroft, a former business consultant and Mr Madden, who comes from a family background of pub management, have moved to The Farmer's Boy from London.