Jennings Brewery

About

Jennings' recent history is a story of local revival. In 2025 the brewery opened again, returning to local, independent, family ownership after two decades as a brand of Carlsberg that ultimately suffered site closure in 2022, after operations were moved to Burton on Trent during the Covid pandemic. Closure was devastating for the town, but brewing is returning to the historic site in Cockermouth, Cumbria and we are beginning the long journey back to becoming a cherished Cumbrian icon! There's lots of work to do to restore the full former glory, but a small passionate team around is focussed on bringing that heritage back to life.

Originally, the Brewery was founded in 1828, in Lorton by John Jennings Senior. His son was also involved in operating the brewery and it was later passed on to the 3 grandsons after Jennings Sr. died.  

Their success meant expansion so, when Jennings outgrew the Lorton brewery, they purchased the existing site in Cockermouth in 1874. The Lorton brewery continued until 1881 when brewing shifted entirely to the Cockermouth site.  

The brewery is now there again, at the foot of Cockermouth Castle, surrounded by the River Derwent and the River Cocker.  This water source is integral to our brewing, as our water is drawn direct from the castle well. This pure, Lakeland water, is considered our secret ingredient and gives Jennings beer its distinctive Cumberland flavour. 

In 1887, the brewery went from being a family-owned business into a public limited company, which the enthusiastic locals bought shares of, meaning that when the last member of the Jennings family died, Jennings kept its local identity for the next 100 years.  

Jennings won multiple beer awards across the years, from organisations including World Beer Awards, CAMRA and The International Beer Challenge. Beers such as, Cumberland Ale, Sneck Lifter and Cocker Hoop were amongst those that were popular winners. In 1999 Cocker Hoop received title of ‘Britain's Best Bitter’ at the Great British Beer festival. And more recently, at SIBA - North West Indie Beer Awards 2025 - the first ever Jennings lager, Jennings Helles, won Keg premium lager and Derwent mild got silver in Cask session Dark Beers.

But the story wasn't finished. We're now back, brewing incredible beer, with Lake District water and recipes direct from that 200 year heritage. We'd love you to be part of the comeback...

Our Taproom (dog friendly) Opening Hours:

• Sun-Wed: 12-9pm
• Thur: 12-10pm
• Fri and Sat: 12-11pm

We also have local street food vendors at the brewery on selected days – please see the food and events page on our website to check our schedule.

Whether you’re an experienced Jennings drinker or are new to the beer scene and want to try something new, Jennings Brewery have some old favourites back on offer again. Get ready to see the return of the classics, along with some new additions to the line-up.

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