UK: Jeremy Pettman to be the new head brewer at Jennings Brewery

Jennings’s head brewer Peter Laws passed on the secret of a good pint when successor Jeremy Pettman took over the coveted role in Cockermouth, Time and Star posted July 28.

Mr Laws, 65, has been responsible for keeping beer drinkers across the county happy for the past nine years with classic favourites like Cumberland Ale or his own creations like Redbreast.

He retired this month after 45 years in the industry, which saw him hone his skills at breweries across the country, including Boddingtons in Manchester.

Mr Laws said: “I’ve been lucky enough to look after a distinctive and spectacular range of cask conditioned beers, and I know that Jennings will continue to go from strength to strength under the supervision of Jeremy.”

Mr Pettman joined Jennings six years ago and has worked closely with his predecessor and plans to develop some recipes of his own.

The 48-year-old said: “Brewing beer is a bit like writing music. There is a finite number of notes but an infinite number of tunes. The first of my beers will come out in January.”

He has 27 years of brewing experience at Robert Cain’s, Whitbread and Castle Eden and has taken over during a period of growth at the Cockermouth brewery.

Owner Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries has unveiled plans which could see beer production more than triple in the coming years. Three new fermentation tanks are to be installed, which will take production from 30,000 barrels a year to 50,000.

Two further phases of investment are planned.

Mr Pettman added: “Peter is a huge personality and I’m grateful to him for taking me under his wing.

“There’s a definite revival in cask ale at the moment, and I want to see our beers leading the way. Through innovation, we can continue to develop the Jennings brand and ensure it remains at the heart of Cumbria.”

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