Wanted: Formula for a top real ale

Now, he is set to pull on his overalls and fire up the copper as he prepares to carry out his latest experiment – brewing his first beer.

John Lewis, 51, is gearing up to a produce a range of handcrafted ales from a purpose-built brewhouse in Shipton-by-Beningbrough, five miles north of York.

The former York University scientist plans to brew his first beer – Drum Beat – this week, following the launch of Treboom Brewery, which is named after the sound of a drum roll.

Mr Lewis, who is being joined in the venture by his wife, ceramic artist Jane Blackman, said: “Jane and I have always dreamed of doing something different and when we thought about it, it came down to making a food product that people would really enjoy.

“I was a keen home brewer so beer seemed the obvious choice,” she added.

“We are planning to do our first brew this week and the beer will hopefully be ready to go on sale in the new year.”

Mr Lewis has worked in science for the past 18 years, initially researching leukaemia at Imperial College, London, and more recently prostate cancer at York University.

Despite planning his new career move for two years, he was forced to take the plunge earlier than expected when he was made redundant in August.

Aided by a grant from Defra and investment from friends, including Michelin-starred restaurateur David Moore, from Pied a Terre in London, the dream became a reality.

“I have swapped my lab coat for a boiler suit and although it is different in many ways there are a lot of things that are the same.

“One of the things you need to make good beer is consistency, which is absolutely key to being a scientist. There’s also quite a lot of science involved in brewing, for example yeast and water chemistry,” he said.

Mr Lewis has been a keen home brewer since his teens when his father and next-door neighbours spotted his potential and bought him equipment and ingredients to make beer for the three houses.

He said: “I loved making something that family and friends got so much enjoyment out of. We are extremely excited to be joining the cask ale revolution that’s sweeping the nation.

“As well as developing some delicious recipes for traditional bitters, porters, milds and pale ales, we are looking forward to introducing some new flavours influenced by European beer styles and American craft brewing.”

While Mr Lewis is the scientific brain behind the beers, his wife, who has been making and exhibiting ceramics for nearly 15 years, will provide the creative flair.

“I’m looking forward to influencing the style and look of the beers. I’ve got plans to involve other artists in helping us to promote the beers by commissioning their artwork,” she said.

The brewery is a 10-barrel plant initially supplying cask ale to pubs within a 50-mile radius of York, but with plans to produce bottled Treboom beers in the near future.

Housed on the site of an old barn, the building has been rebuilt and boasts a host of eco-friendly features. Water comes from the brewery’s own bore hole, drainage is through reed beds and some of the electricity is generated by solar panels.

Workshops have also been built on the site for businesses that could potentially provide employment or training opportunities for local young disabled people. The whole scheme will bring employment to the area and provide useful facilities for the community.

“What I’m looking forward to the most is being in a pub and watching somebody enjoy my beer. I didn’t envisage doing this, it was a pipe dream and I never thought I would actually get to this point,” said Mr Lewis.