Main Street, West Stockwith, Nottinghamshire
Website: Idle Brewery
About the brewery
The Idle Brewery is situated in a converted outbuilding behind The White Hart Inn in West Stockwith, next to where the River Idle flows into the Trent. It was established in 2007 with the first brew being Idle Landlord. In 2012 Brian Cooper and his wife Elaine took over the White Hart pub and the Idle Brewery.
West Stockwith is where the Chesterfield Canal and the River Idle meet the River Trent. It’s the start of the Cuckoo Way, a 46 mile walk along the Chesterfield Canal that takes you through the North Nottinghamshire countryside all the way to Chesterfield, with regular pubs along the way and overnight accommodation in Retford and Worksop. West Stockwith itself is well worth a visit with a pretty church opposite the White Hart and a lively boating scene.
West Stockwith takes it name from the Old Norse ‘wath’ meaning ‘river crossing’ (also found in Wath-upon-Dearne). The first element of the name probably comes from the Old English ‘stoc’ meaning village (also found in Stoke-on-Trent and Stoke Poges). It is called ‘West’ Stockwith because it lies on the Western, Nottinghamshire side of the Trent. Across the Trent is East Stockwith on the Lincolnshire side.
Regular beers
Black Abbot (ABV 4.5%) is a dark stout with roasted notes.
Black & Tan (ABV 4.3%) is an old fashioned ale.
Golden Crown (ABV 3.8%) is a golden ale that uses First Gold Hops.
Idle Bodger (ABV 4.0%) is an easy drinking tan coloured bitter.
Idle Dog (ABV 4.2%) is a copper-coloured bitter which is moderately hoppy.
Idle Landlord (ABV 4.6%) is a dark brown bitter with a malty, caramel and coffee flavour.
Idle Sod (ABV 4.2%) is a light golden ale with a fruit aroma flavoured with Cluster Hops.
Idle Tongue (ABV 4.3%) is a blonde and citrusy ale.
Regular seasonal and specials
Idle Boggin (ABV 3.8%) is a traditional ale with a full flavour and dry finish.
Idle Guy (ABV 4.5%) is a pale amber ale that uses Fuggles Hops.
Idle Santa (ABV 4.5%) is a rich golden ale with refreshing notes.
Fancy a pint?
The brewery tap is the adjacent White Hart Inn which usually stocks a range of beers from the brewery plus guests.
Tours and Take Aways
Brewery tours are offered that last an hour and include four complimentary ales in the White Hart Inn. Brewing days offer the opportunity to learn about the brewing process, to brew ale with head brewer Brian Cooper and to sample some of the ales produced. The Brewery supplies 9 gallon kegs (72 pints) for private events, as well as 5 litre mini kegs (8.8 pints) to take away.