Hawkstone Brewery Tour for Two

Received this as a birthday gift as I'm a fan of Clarksons Farm and therefore, the obvious connection to the brewery. Firstly, I'd recommend not driving if you can possibly avoid doing so as the samples are generous and plentiful. So either take a tea-totaller with you or ditch the car and get a teaxi, lift or stay in local digs. On arrival to the site, it felt like driving into a farm and the setting was quaint, picturesque and gave off a feeling of wholesomeness...if that's even a word. The tour starts in a private area adjacent to the bar where the tour guide explains the history of the brewery, why it's unique, ingredients used, the brewery process and ultimately, JC's involvement in the company. I won't spoil that here as I enjoyed that little journey of discovery and you will too, The guide was extremely knowledgable in all things Hawkstone and brewing. A sincere picture is verbally painted of how and why Hawkston is superior to the mass produced lagers due to the quality that's been maintained throughout the process. They don't cut corners and they don't use cheap ingredients like others do. However, after I'd built confidence and belief in the lovely back story, the revelation came that since JC got involved, demand outgrew the capabilities of their small brewery so they sub out the majority of the brewing to the mass producers that were being slated just 5 minutes before!! That left me with a feeling of "oh.....ok then" But that aside, it's a lovely way to spend an afternoon and I would recommend it. Time spent in the actual brewing shed is very minimal and you can only walk about 15 feet into it as it's so jam packed with equipment, so that was a tad disappointing. But don't let those 2 minor quibbles prevent you from booking. Staff are lovely, tour guide was brilliant, site itself is a place you enjoy spending time. Now stop reading reviews and go book it!