Daleside Brewery

Who are they?

Daleside is a brewer with high hopes.

It recently achieved national distribution for its award-winning Pride of England ale (4% abv).

The beer is now being rolled out nationally due to huge demand ­ not least because of its link to national sporting achievement.

Bill Witty started the brewery, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in 1987, originally as a hobby.

Production moved across town in 1991, and since then the plant has expanded with rising demand.

The brewery produces a range of bottled and cask ales, with an emphasis on flavour and purity ­ no brewing sugars or malt extracts are added.

The specialist side includes a trio of strong ales with historic themes, including Crackshot (5.5% abv), based on a 17th-century recipe.

It also has a range of "mainstream" session beers.

These include Bitter (3.7%) and the "alternative" Blonde (3.9%).

The most popular region for Daleside beers is the north east.

It also contract brews Shrimper (4.1% abv) for the Kent-based AVS, which has proved a hit around London.

Main brands: The saucily-titled Old Legover (4.1% abv) is the biggest seller.

Employees: 15.

Don't mention: Growing pains.

Daleside had problems coping with the expansion to the brewery, initiated three years ago.

"We were trying to satisfy existing customers and expand at the same time," bemoaned marketing director Eric Lucas.

Thankfully it worked out ­ the refit more than doubled capacity.

Plans for the future: This year Daleside plans to concentrate on Old Legover and Pride of England.

It will also be pushing Daleside Blonde Lagered Ale ­ "not as lagery' as lager but not as aley' as ale" ­ to satisfy a hole in the market for both lager and ale lovers.

"We are trying to broaden the appreciation of beer to a wider audience," Lucas added.