A Fresh Chapter
Where do we start? 2025 has been a defining year for Jennings. Since reopening back in July, we’ve not only found our place in town again - but we’ve also grown, evolved and exceeded our own expectations in ways we didn’t know possible. We’re rounding up our year for a moment to pause and reflect on everything we’ve achieved together, and look ahead to an even more exciting 2026! We also hope you’ll be joining the journey with us!
Back Yam
4th July 2025 marked more than just reopening the doors and dusting away the cobwebs - it was a new start for the brewery; a new vision as well as a new and passionate team working to see Jennings thrive again.
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The first new brew kit was delivered and installed, ready to brew up some old recipes with a modern twist and a new take on those loved classics. The first new kit was closely followed by our second as we couldn’t brew fast enough...
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Classic ales like Cumberland Ale, Sneck Lifter, Cocker Hoop and Castle Bitter, were put back into the hands of Jennings enthusiasts, who were literally, ‘Cock a hoop’ to see the return of Jennings
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Our Head Brewer released ‘Back Yam’, meaning ‘Back Home’ to mark the revival of Jennings and the brewery being back open in Cockermouth
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Jennings beers were being offered in local pubs once again, in and around Cumbria
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15 new jobs were created at the brewery and taproom, growing our ever-expanding passionate team – more coming in the new year in sales, brewing, the office and the taproom
“Jennings’ beers are iconic symbols of the Lakes, and I’m hugely proud to be able to add to this wonderful history and legacy. More importantly, I’m really looking forward to tasting the beers again and seeing the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike.” – Buster Grant, Jennings Head Brewer and the time of re-opening.
Highlights of 2025 and what we’ve achieved
From “Just reopened” to “Look at us now”
From firstly releasing the old-time classics, our beer portfolio has grown significantly over the last 6 months.
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We brewed the first ever Jennings lager, an unfiltered Helles and won a gold medal at the SIBA award – we're in the final in March, so fingers crossed!
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We celebrated the end of summer with a new Green Hop ale
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Red Breast made a return as the Christmas seasonal
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We proudly announced the release of our Lorton Ale, an 8.4% Imperial Ale, the first of ‘The Heritage collection’ series
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Collaborations with new friends like Crooked River and Cumbrian Ales have produced some fantastic new beers
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Brewery tours came back! And are always evolving with the progression of the brewery, giving visitors a chance to dive into the heritage and learn about the beer process
The Best Part? The people and community
The taproom and brewery have become a significant part of the Cockermouth community, where people can meet for a drink or social, in a warm and cosy environment, surrounded by friendly faces.
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The Jennings community came back with our new membership scheme, creating a place for beer lovers to invest in a little piece of Jennings and become part of our modern-day history. We hosted members tastings and brew days and enjoyed getting to know everyone
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We hosted some big events on site like Taste Cumbria, Cockermouth Live and many more!
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We flipped the ground floor of the old Maltings building into an event space and hosted the Taste Christmas Comedy night. Watch this space for 2026!
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2025 saw Jennings become a running club hub for Derwent AC Cockermouth, who use the spaces on a regular basis
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Was Jennings the best beer garden in Cockermouth this summer? Our riverside terrace seating offers a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy your beer, especially in the summer, south facing and sitting alongside the river, what more could you want?
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Live music and local street food vendors are a regular at the taproom!
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The end of 2025 even saw our first ever quiz night too, which is going to become a regular staple of 2026!
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The famous Jennings Christmas carols night got everyone in the Christmas spirit, with Cockermouth Mechanics band and Castle gate singers setting the mood with some brass music and carol singing, gathered around the Christmas tree and a cup of mulled cider in hand
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Jennings Helles lager – SIBA – GOLD – Regional keg premium lager
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Jennings Cumberland Ale – SIBA – GOLD – Regional bottle/can British ales
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Jennings Sneck Lifter – SIBA – GOLD – Regional bottle/can Amber, brown and red ale
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Jennings Derwent Mild- SIBA – SILVER – Regional cask British dark beer
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Jennings Taproom – CAMRA North West – Pub of the season Winter 2025
Looking ahead to 2026
If 2025 was about reopening and growing, 2026 is about more than that! Expansion, progress and bigger and better things…
What’s Coming Next
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10 more new jobs are to be created at the brewery
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Brew kit number 2 will be arriving and getting installed early in 2026! This means one thing, more beer!
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You’ll see the first sponsorships of community events and schemes
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Hosting larger events on site and creating some of our own too! Maybe even a festival…
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Quiz nights and live music will become a regular thing!
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More beers
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More collabs
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And lots more that we can’t reveal yet…keep your eyes peeled!
Thank You
None of this would have been possible without the support of our community.
To everyone who supported us, believed in us, visited, shared or cheered us on - thank you. You’ve been a vital part of our journey, and we can’t wait to continue it together in 2026.
We hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a happy new year!
The taproom is open over the festive season, pop in and say hello to the team!
Opening hours:
24th Dec 12-9pm
26th Dec 12-4pm
Normal hours between Christmas and New year
31st Dec 12-9pm
1st Jan 2026 CLOSED
Normal hours resume
Thanks so much,
The Jennings team x
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Busy week and big updates!