Number 7 given new lease of life as real ale showcase

A brewer has stepped in to revive the pub so it can act as a showcase for local ales.

The pub in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, will re-open following a £180,000 investment from the Acorn Brewery, which is run by Dave Hughes and his wife Judi.

Once a Bass Charrington pub, the Grade II listed building was first licensed in 1925.

Also known as Carters, Old Number 7 recently served as a music venue, but was closed by Enterprise Inns earlier this year.

The pub should re-open in August following work to restore some of its original features. It will provide a mix of six full and part-time jobs.

Mr Hughes, Acorn’s head brewer and managing director, said: “This is another exciting development for us as the brewery business is bouncing. A brewery tap in the heart of the town is a major boost for us, allowing our ales to be properly showcased to a local audience. As more people snub global brands we see the pub being a craft ale mecca – a destination venue where people can enjoy a wide selection of ales and continental lagers not generally available locally.”

Acorn was launched in 2003 by Mr and Mrs Hughes.

Mr Hughes bought a 10-barrel brew-plant from the Forester & Firkin brew-pub in Stafford and moved it to premises in Wombwell, near Barnsley.

The production of Barnsley Bitter began in July 2003, using the same yeast strain as the original Barnsley Brewery of the 1850s. In 2007, after a period of rising sales and an expanding brand portfolio, a big investment moved the brewery into a 20-barrel plant in Wombwell.

The move doubled the company’s production capacity to 100 barrels a week.

Further investment in 50-barrel fermenting equipment has increased capacity to 150 barrels a week.

A cold store room has also been created for bottle storage to develop off-trade sales.

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