Good business?
The number of new breweries suggests a vibrant market – though it could also be an indication of a risky business with many failures.
The newest around here is the WharfeBank Brewery (so new it doesn’t yet have a fully-functioning website). I’ve tried the Cam Fell (amber) and Slingers Gold (pale) at the nearby Hunters Inn and the freshness of such local beer certainly appeals.
The Copper Dragon brewery in Skipton still seems like a newcomer, but it’s been around since 2002. This was my first visit to its rather antiseptic buildings on an industrial estate on the south side of town – but many others have discovered its bar and bistro. Inspired it seems by Black Sheep in Masham, Copper Dragon has diversified into food and a range of branded merchandise.
We enjoyed a taste of Golden Pippin, of Black Gold (see picture) and a specially-brewed beer in honour of Fred Trueman whose sculpture now stands alongside the Leeds to Liverpool canal in the town centre.
