Buxton brewery launch recieves stellar reception

A new brewery was welcomed in true Norfolk style when more than 500 people flooded to Wildcraft Brewery to bask in the Buxton sunshine.

Thanks to the popularity of the event, Wildcraft owners Mark Goodman and Mike Deal have decided they will recreate the day every year, as well as launching a new product.

Former teacher-turned-brewer Mr Deal, said: 'The day went down so well that we decided we'd do it every year. We're still going to call it a launch event because we'll be launching a new product.'

Mr Deal and Mr Goodman forage all of their ingredients from the woodlands around their brewery.

Mr Deal, 38, added: 'This means that we can't really predict what we're going to be launching because it all depends on what comes out of the ground!'

Currently the brewery is specialising in selling their own spirits including a raspberry vodka, as well as fruity liqueurs and ales.

Mr Deal, who lives in Norwich continued: 'At the moment I can see lots of elderflower growing so maybe our next batch will be with that. For us it's all down to timing and experimenting until we get the recipes right.

'We only make small batches so we brewed 200 bottles of our raspberry vodka and we have about 50 left, so we're looking ahead to brewing some new stuff.'

The launch on June 3 was kicked off by the 'fantastic' Wild Cat acrobats.

From there, children and adults alike enjoyed live music from Helen Bloomfield, Peter Merrill and The Dulcit Tones, as well as a barbeque, hog roast, and Vettes Veggie Van.

The Costessey resident added: 'I had a great time even though I was run ragged, I'm still recovering!'

The brewery has two bars, one of which was converted into a stage and one which was used to serve a selection of the brewery's many ales. Mr Deal said: 'People can hire out one of the bars, which can fit in four casks of ale, for their own events.'

For more information, visit: www.wildcraftbrewery.co.uk/