Idle Brewery - One in the wood

Nottinghamshire has a long history of brewing which reached a nadir just after the turn of the Millenium by which time, after 50 years of mergers and acquisitions, only one brewery remained in the county. Since then dozens of new breweries have been established – ranging from fairly large commercial ventures to micro breweries serving just one tap.

Traditionally, what made Nottinghamshire distinct in terms of brewing was its unique water, hops and yeast. The North Clay hops grown in Nottinghamshire were famously bitter and suited to producing strong beers that kept well. Tastes changed, however, and demand for North Clay hops declined and they were replaced by the milder varieties from Kent. A testament to their widespread cultivation in Nottinghamshire is that hops can still be found growing wild in hedgerows, gardens and woods, even though they are no longer commercially cultivated.

The Nottinghamshire area can be split into two brewing regions:

South and West Nottinghamshire, which corresponds to the areas of Nottingham, Mansfield, Ashfield, Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe.
North and Mid Nottinghamshire, which corresponds to the areas of Bassetlaw, Newark & Sherwood.

North and Mid Nottinghamshire breweries

Double Top Brewery (Worksop) – brewing temporarily suspended

Dukeries (Worksop)

Grafton Fine Ales (Worksop)

Harrison’s (Retford)

Idle Brewery (West Stockwith)

Maypole Brewery (Kneesall)

Milestone Brewing Company (Cromwell)

Newark Brewery (Newark)

Pheasantry (East Markham)

Springhead (Laneham)

Welbeck Abbey (Welbeck Estate, near Worksop)

Historic Brewery: Worksop & Retford

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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*, showing the Trent and the White Hart in the distance

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.

*The White Hart, behind which is the Idle Brewery*

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.