Over two dozen members of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber have spent an afternoon at the Castle Rock Brewery. In what proved to be entertaining – and strictly educational – visit, the members heard details of the brewery’s history, details of how to turn water into beer, and news of the new conference facilities under construction on the Queensbridge Road site.

Chamber members in the brewery.

In the post tour networking session, held in the adjacent Vat and Fiddle, questions revolved around the cost of raw materials and the importing of American hops, quality control and how best to make home brew taste like proper beer. Answers came from host and tour guide, Charlie Blomeley and Castle Rock commercial director, Colin Wilde.

Chamber members in the brewery.

George Cowcher, chief executive, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Chamber, said: “This was an excellent tour, which everyone taking part really enjoyed. The main aim of the Chamber’s Manufacturing and Engineering forum is to bring manufacturers together to network, share information and best practice and to showcase some of the businesses operating in this sector which is crucial to the UK economy.”

Castle Rock Brewery tours are available for groups of ten or more and last for around 30 minutes. Priced at £10 per head, they are for over 18s only and include a drink at the Vat and Fiddle, the ‘brewery tap’ pub. Hot and cold buffets can be added to the hospitality package.

For further information contact Charlie Blomeley (charlie.blomeley@castlerockbrewery.co.uk) or tel: (0115) 985 1615 extn 220.

Chamber members in the brewery.