Flood-hit Jennings to re-open mid-January
The flood-hit Jennings brewery in Cockermouth is to re-open in mid-January, says its owner Marston's.
The brewer has also confirmed that Jennings beers will temporarily be produced in other Marston's breweries in the busy Christmas season. And 10p from every pint of Jennings will go to help people affected by the deluge.
A statement from Marston's said: "Flood-damaged Jennings is set to resume brewing again by mid-January.
"Brewery staff have been working hard since last week's floods left the Cockermouth site under five feet of water.
"After assessing the damage, the brewers are confident the site can begin production again in January. The Jennings shop and brewery tours will begin again shortly after.
"In the meantime until the brewery reopens, Jennings will donate 10p from every pint of its beers sold in pubs across Britain to the Cumbria Flood Recovery Fund to help the many people affected by the floods.
"To make sure customers are still able to stock Jennings beers - such as the local favourite, Jennings Bitter, and nationally-available beers such as Cumberland Ale, Sneck Lifter and Cocker Hoop - during the busy Christmas season, brewing will temporarily move to Jennings' sister breweries in the Marston's group."
Jennings head brewer Jeremy Pettman said: "We've decided to move brewing of some of our beers to our other breweries to ensure that our customers are not let down.
"They will be produced under the supervision of myself and other Jennings staff. We'll be working hard to get as close to the flavours of our Cumbrian beers as possible.
"As soon as the brewery re-opens production of all our beers will be moved back to Cockermouth."
Jennings' Gaynor Green said: "There are hundreds of pubs up and down the country that stock Jennings beer, so we hope that this is a way for people wherever they are to support the people of Cumbria.
"Any money towards rebuilding homes, bridges and replacing clothes, food and Christmas toys will be greatly appreciated by them."
