Everards & Amber Ales open Project William pub

Everards has opened its 18th Project William pub — which allows greater flexibility on cask ales — in conjunction with Derbyshire microbrewer Amber Ales.

The Leicestershire brewer and retailer teamed up with the microbrewery to open the Sir Barnes Wallis, formerly the Woodman, at Ripley.

This pub was already part of Everard's core tenanted estate, but has been converted to a Project William site.

The Barnes Wallis, which was built in the early 1970s, has been extensively refurbished and will now offer a selection of real ales along with pub food made from local produce including Amber Ale sausages and pies.

The pub, which reopened a the weekend, launched with a special exclusive brew from Amber Ales, The Waterbuoys — 10p from every pint sold will be donated to Watersafe UK Search and Rescue Team.

Brewery owner Pete Hounsell said: "We are really excited to be opening the pub in conjunction with Everards and its unique Project William initiative."

Hounsell added: "High quality ale and food are very important to us. We will be offering a phone through service at lunchtimes to ensure local businesses and staff from the local schools and hospital can pop in for a speedy lunch."

The Sir Barnes Wallis is Amber Ales' second pub, the firm's first pub is the nearby Talbot Taphouse.

Formed three years ago, Amber Ales best-selling beer is IPA-style bitter Barnes Wallis.

Last year the brewery's Chocolate Orange Stout was awarded Champion Beer of Britain (bronze) in the Speciality beers category at the Great British Beer Festival.