Guernsey's Randalls Brewery celebrates new look

Last week saw the official opening of the Randalls La Piette Brewery in Guernsey.

Describing itself as a 'midi brewery', after a major refit the brewery was opened by the Lt Governor, Sir Fabian Malbon and Lady Malbon. It has the potential to produce 1,000 barrels a week.

As well as the Randalls range of ales, the group has secured a licence to brew Breda, a strong Guernsey favourite lager owned by United Dutch Breweries and InBev. A five per cent abv lager, Breda has been sold by Randalls for 60 years.

Randalls is owned by the Guernsey Pub Company headed by Ian Rogers. The business was acquired in April 2006 by a consortium of private investors, seeing off rival bids from a number of competitors, including CI Traders.

A brewing veteran, Rogers founded the Wychwood brewery and was formerly boss of the Hobgoblinns pub chain. The sale came about after a disagreement between shareholders over the future of the business.

Randalls' new head brewer is Matt Polli, who has spent time with Tooheys in Australia.

The brewery will feature tours aimed at exploiting the thriving tourist trade, taking up to 12 visitors at a time round the site.