Black Sheep Brewery, Masham, Yorkshire
The Black Sheep Brewery is one of two famous breweries to be located in the Yorkshire town of Masham. It was founded in 1992 by Paul Theakston, a fifth-generation member of the Masham brewing dynasty and ‘the boy done good’.
Beer enthusiasts travel from all across the country to visit the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham. It’s a true family firm – Paul’s two sons now work with him in the business. We think it offers one of the best brewery experiences in Britain.
- Tour the brewery
- Taste Black Sheep Ales
- Eat a Yorkshire supper
- Visit the brewery on the Yorkshire Ale Trail
Beer That’s Born and Bred in Masham
The T & R Theakston firm had been brewing in Masham for five generations before it was finally taken over by Scottish and Newcastle Breweries in the late eighties. The family firm had been subject to a series of acrimonious battles so Paul Theakston decided to follow his heart and set up his own brewery, calling it Black Sheep at his wife’s suggestion. It quickly built up a reputation for being pioneering and now sells its beers all over Britain and around the world.
Tour the Black Sheep Brewery
Black Sheep offer two different brewery tours – a day time tour which gives you a good introduction to the Black Sheep story and the process of brewing beer. The evening tour is popular with foodies because it includes a delicious Yorkshire supper. Major features of the tour are the many salvaged wares from other now defunct breweries. The brewing copper, mash tun, hop-back, and the Yorkshire Stone square fermenting vessels, were all refugees from other breweries. Of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to taste too.
Taste Black Sheep Beer
Their best seller is their Black Sheep Ale with its rich fruit aromas and a smooth bittersweet taste. To celebrate Yorkshire’s cycling connection, try Velo Pale Ale which is brewed with cascade hops and a touch of orange and coriander. In honour of ‘All Creatures Great and Small‘, there’s All Creatures – a bright Yorkshire pale, a good all-rounder that goes well with fish, pasta and cheese.
Have a Yorkshire Pub Supper
Taste the Black Sheep inspired dishes in their Bistro. Try the delicious Yorkshire Beef and Riggwelter Ale pie, traditional beer battered fish and chips and with a refreshing cuppa, a generous slice of Yorkshire Tea and Black Sheep Ale tea loaf.
Tips
- Due to their popularity, you’re advised to pre-book your brewery tour
- The Black Sheep Brewery appears on the Yorkshire Ale Trail, a driving tour of Yorkshire’s best pubs and breweries
Where to Stay Near Masham
Swinton Park in Masham – stay in a luxurious 19th century gothic castle on a 200 acre estate. Foodie Travellers will especially love its excellent food and Cookery School.
Morton House & Stable Block – a comfortable B&B located close to Masham’s Market Square.
Brewers Den in Masham – A holiday apartment that sleeps two.
Dogs
Please check with the Black Sheep Brewery.
How to Find the Black Sheep Brewery Masham
The Black Sheep Brewery, Wellgarth, Masham, North Yorkshire, HG4 4EN
Website: www.blacksheepbrewery.com
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.