Thornbridge Brewery
Thornbridge Brewery is based in Bakewell, Derbyshire, in the English Peak District. The brewery started in 2005 on the grounds of Thornbridge Hall and is best known for Jaipur, an IPA often described as the first British craft IPA. You'll also find pale ales and lagers.
- LocationBakewell, Derbyshire
- Founded2005
- TypeRegional brewery
- Untappd 3.59 · 1.4M ratings
- At Hoptimaal1 in stock · 3 in total
In stock now 1
Previously at Hoptimaal 2
Sold out. If a new batch is coming, you can ask for a heads-up on the product page.
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From the outbuildings of Thornbridge Hall to Bakewell
The story begins in 2005. Founders Jim Harrison and Simon Webster brought in two young brewers and started on a second-hand 10-barrel plant in the outbuildings of Thornbridge Hall, on an estate of 100 acres. Those buildings had been converted for the plant in 2004. The first beer was Lord Marples, a classic bitter of 4%, which later became a regular in the range.
In September 2009 a new brewery opened in Bakewell, to meet demand and to make more types of beer. The brewery on the estate has since closed. Since then Thornbridge has grown considerably and brews for cask, keg, bottle and can. The taproom is open every day and moved in 2022 to a larger space with room for more than 200 people.
Jaipur and the rest of the range
Jaipur is the beer Thornbridge is known for: a West Coast IPA that its own site often describes as the first British craft IPA. In 2012 the Guild of Fine Food included Jaipur in its top 50 British food and drink products. In 2014 it was chosen as Best Drinks Producer at the BBC Radio 4 Food and Farming Awards.
Besides IPAs such as Jaipur and Green Mountain, Thornbridge brews pale ales such as 1838 and Kipling, and lagers such as Lukas and Bayern. In 2024 the brewery, with support from Brooklyn Brewery and with equipment donated by Marston's, brought the only remaining working Burton Union set back into use. On its own site Thornbridge therefore calls itself the home of the only working Union set in the world.
Thornbridge Brewery at Hoptimaal
At Hoptimaal you've been able to get Thornbridge as an IPA and as a pale ale, in 33 cl and 44 cl, with a strength between 4.3 and 5.5%. On Untappd, Thornbridge Mango Smash, Thornbridge Green Mountain and Thornbridge Chiron are rated highest. The range changes, so check the brewery page to see what's in stock now.
Drink the hoppy beers as fresh as possible and cool, straight from the fridge. Then let the glass stand for a few minutes, because the hop aroma comes out better than with an ice-cold beer. If you have a slightly stronger beer at home, take your time and let it warm up gradually as you drink.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Thornbridge Brewery come from?
Thornbridge Brewery comes from Bakewell in Derbyshire, in the Peak District in England. The brewery started in 2005 in the outbuildings of Thornbridge Hall and moved in September 2009 to a new brewery in Bakewell.
What kind of beer does Thornbridge Brewery make?
Thornbridge makes IPAs, pale ales and lagers, and is best known for the West Coast IPA Jaipur. The beer comes in cask, keg, bottle and can.
What's the best way to drink Thornbridge beer?
Drink hoppy beers like Jaipur or Green Mountain fresh and cool, so the hop aroma stays good. Don't take them out of the fridge too long in advance, but don't leave them ice-cold in the glass either.
