Giant beer barrel proves tall order for Yorkshire cooper

But visitors to the Forbidden Corner, near Middleham, will soon be able to have a stiff drink to cope with the bizarre surroundings.

The North Yorkshire visitor attraction has commissioned Masham brewery T&R Theakston to make a giant-sized beer barrel which will form the centrepiece of a new display being launched next year.

The container, fashioned by Jonathan Manby, one of only two craft coopers in the UK, took a week to make and stands at 6ft tall and is 4ft at its widest point.

With a capacity of 2,400 pints, there is plenty to go around.

Mr Manby said: “This is the biggest barrel I’ve been asked to make in my 17 years working as a cooper at Theakston’s.

“It certainly was a tall order, but one that I was more than capable of achieving.

“The casks I usually turn out are a little smaller.”

The Forbidden Corner was the brainchild of Colin Armstrong and was originally built as a private folly, but due to public demand was subsequently opened to the public.

The gardens are considered one of the best follies in Europe.

The giant cask will be set up at the Forbidden Corner from 2012.