Swiggin in Wiggin : September 2012 - Wigan

The number of breweries in the UK has topped
1,000 - the highest figure for more than 70 years,
according to new research.
A record 158 new breweries has opened in the
past year. There are now twice as many breweries
in operation than a decade ago and around one
brewery for every 50 pubs.
Many micro-breweries have opened in recent
years, but smaller ones have expanded despite a
steady flow of pub closures.
As such, beer drinkers in the present day are faced
with an enormous variety and choice like never
seen before on these shores.
Whilst historically there were more breweries in the
UK pre-1930s, the distribution and communication
networks of the modern day mean that real ale
has never been so accessible to consumers, or to
pubs wanting to meet demand for serving locally
produced beer.
You’ve never had it so good !!
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In the Wigan area alone, we have three breweries
that are prospering despite the current climate
of pub closures. Allgates Brewery in Wigan are
looking for larger premises to keep up with
demand whilst Prospect Brewery in Standish has
just added an extra fermenter to increase their
production capacity. Mayflower Brewery in Up
Holland completes the trio and has recently relocated
to premises behind the Delph Tavern.
The Wayfarer in Parbold has just received planning
permission for a brewery to increase choice for
local drinkers even further.
Another brewery in Haigh (Jones Brewery) startedup
fleetingly in the past 12 months or so. On the
fringes of our area, breweries have opened up in
Burscough and Horwich in recent times.
There’s never been a better time to drink locallyproduced
beers in your local pub. What are you
waiting for ?