Thornbridge Brewery
<p>Thornbridge Brewery stands as a beacon of innovation and quality in the world of craft beer, proudly situated at the Riverside Brewery on Buxton Road in the charming market town of Bakewell, England. Founded in 2005, the brewery has grown from its humble beginnings in the outbuildings of Thornbridge Hall to become a nationally recognized and globally respected name, synonymous with passion, knowledge, and uncompromising brewing. For visitors and locals alike, the brewery offers not just a taste of exceptional beer but a complete destination experience, combining a state-of-the-art production facility with a welcoming Taproom, a pizza kitchen, and the immersive Thornbridge Experience tour.</p> <p>The journey of Thornbridge Brewery is one of constant evolution and a steadfast commitment to the core values of craft brewing. The business was awarded “UK Brewer of the Year 2022” and “SIBA Brewery Business of the Year 2024,” accolades that underscore its prestigious position in the industry. This same award-winning ethos is poured into every pint at the Taproom, where guests can enjoy the freshest beers, including the legendary Jaipur IPA, directly from the source. The brewery’s riverside location in Bakewell provides a picturesque backdrop for an unforgettable experience that merges industrial craft with warm, Derbyshire hospitality.</p> <h2>Services & Facilities</h2> <p>The Riverside site is a multifaceted hub designed to cater to beer enthusiasts, food lovers, and the naturally curious. The core of the visitor experience is the <strong>Taproom and Bar</strong>, a vibrant space with extensive indoor and outdoor seating that is open seven days a week. It serves a comprehensive selection of Thornbridge’s core range, seasonal specials, and exclusive small-batch brews created on the original Hall Brewery kit, which now sits alongside the Taproom. The atmosphere is inclusive and dog-friendly, making it a perfect stop for families, hikers, and groups of friends.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Taproom & Bar:</strong> A rotating selection of beers on draught and in cans, with knowledgeable staff to guide your tasting journey.</li> <li><strong>Pizza Kitchen:</strong> Serving quality, freshly made pizzas and awesome cheese garlic bread, highly praised by customers for being delicious and affordable.</li> <li><strong>The Thornbridge Experience:</strong> A bookable brewery tour offering a deep dive into the history, brewing process, and a tutored tasting, all held beside the iconic Union and Hall Brewery kit.</li> <li><strong>Retail Shop:</strong> A destination for take-home craft beer, exclusive merchandise, branded clothing, glassware, and gift cards, allowing visitors to extend their experience.</li> <li><strong>Event Hosting:</strong> The Taproom regularly hosts live gigs and other community events, adding to its status as a local entertainment venue.</li> </ul> <h3>The Taproom and Brewery Tour</h3> <p>Joining the Thornbridge Experience is the ultimate way to connect with the brewery’s story. The tour unfolds in the shadow of the original brewing kit and the unique Burton Union system, offering an intimate look at the intricate elements of the brewing process. A tutored tasting session then allows guests to appreciate the balance, flavor, and craftsmanship that define the Thornbridge portfolio. It is an educational and sensory journey recommended for anyone interested in the art of beer.</p> <h3>The Riverside Shop</h3> <p>Before leaving, visitors are invited to browse the well-stocked brewery shop. This retail space carries the full range of Thornbridge beers, from fridge-filler cases to limited-edition releases and mini-casks. An extensive selection of merchandise and gifts—including sustainable clothing, glassware, and home bar accessories—ensures there is a high-quality memento for every craft beer lover. Gift vouchers and tour tickets are also available, making the shop a convenient hub for planning future visits.</p> <h2>What We Offer</h2> <p>Beyond the on-site experiences, Thornbridge Brewery is a leading direct-to-consumer brand through its advanced online shop. The platform is designed for convenience, offering free UK delivery on all orders over £40. It caters to every type of beer drinker, from novices exploring the world of real ale to connoisseurs seeking the latest experimental releases. The brewery’s digital presence is as dynamic as its physical one, bringing the Peak District's finest craft beer to doorsteps across the nation.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Fresh Beer Cases:</strong> Expertly curated mixed cases like the “Fridge Filler” and “Grand Tour Mixed Lager Case” provide a perfect introduction to the brand’s diversity.</li> <li><strong>Thornbridge Beer Club:</strong> A subscription box offering monthly deliveries of the newest releases, collaboration brews, archival throwbacks, and classics at excellent value.</li> <li><strong>Build Your Own Bundle:</strong> A flexible option allowing customers to hand-pick their favorite IPAs, lagers, porters, sours, and stouts to create a personalized case.</li> <li><strong>Gift Packs & Vouchers:</strong> Purpose-built solutions for gifting, including beautifully packaged beer selections and monetary vouchers for the ultimate flexible present.</li> </ul> <h2>Why Customers Choose Us</h2> <p>Customers consistently rate Thornbridge Brewery with high praise, reflected in its 4.6 out of 5-star rating based on over 5,000 online votes and nearly 800 Google Maps reviews. The language used by visitors is effusive, with many describing the Taproom as “fantastic” and the overall experience as the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion. The combination of world-class beer, delicious food, and a genuine, welcoming atmosphere creates a powerful draw that turns first-time visitors into lifelong fans.</p> <p>A cornerstone of the brewery’s reputation is its flagship beer, <strong>Jaipur</strong>. This 5.9% IPA was born in mid-2005 and was unlike anything else in the industry at the time, packed with American hops and a bold flavor profile. Jaipur quickly catapulted Thornbridge into the spotlight with numerous awards, and it remains a must-try classic. This spirit of innovation continues today, with a commitment to brewing with integrity, pushing boundaries, and respecting traditional crafting methods. The team’s deep knowledge ensures every beer—from a crisp helles lager to a complex barrel-aged stout—is beautifully balanced and consistent.</p> <h2>Serving Bakewell & The World</h2> <p>While the brewery’s heart and roots are firmly planted in the Derbyshire Dales, its reach extends across the globe. The taproom serves as a local community hub in Bakewell, drawing visitors from across the Peak District who combine a brewery visit with the area's stunning natural beauty. The team works to ensure the on-site experience reflects the best of local hospitality, with safe transport options, free street-view navigation, and a welcoming countdown for walkers and cyclists exploring the area.</p> <p>From this Derbyshire base, Thornbridge beer began to appear nationwide before developing an extensive export trade. The business initially exported to Italy and now ships to over 35 countries worldwide, including a recent expansion into Brazil that opens pathways into other South American markets. This global footprint means the brewery is not just a prized local asset but also an esteemed ambassador for British craft beer on the international stage, all while keeping its brewing and visitor experience centered in Bakewell.</p> <h2>Hours, Location & Directions</h2> <p>Planning a visit to the Riverside Brewery is straightforward. The Taproom and shop are open seven days a week, with detailed hours displayed on Google Maps and the official website to help plan your trip. The brewery is situated at Riverside Brewery, Buxton Rd, Bakewell DE45 1GS, United Kingdom, and is easily accessible. Visitors can use the comprehensive Google Maps integration to check live traffic, find the best route by car or public transport, or plan a scenic cycling journey along the nearby trails.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Taproom Hours:</strong> Typically open from 12:00 PM with closing times varying (often 11:00 PM on busy nights). A separate service window for takeaway is available, as indicated by the “Zum Mitnehmen” attribute on the search listing.</li> <li><strong>Contact:</strong> For specific inquiries, booking tours, or sharing feedback, the team can be reached by phone at +44 1629 815999.</li> <li><strong>Getting Here:</strong> The full address is loaded into Google Maps, offering turn-by-turn navigation. Satellite and terrain views help set expectations for the beautiful riverside and woodland setting, ensuring a smooth arrival for every thirsty traveler.</li> </ul>
- Category
- Restaurant › Brewpub
- Location
- Bakewell, England, GB
- Address
- Adresse: Riverside Brewery, Buxton Rd, Bakewell DE45 1GS, Vereinigtes Königreich
- Phone
- +441629815999
Tags: thornbridge brewery, craft beer, real ale, bakewell, peak district, brewhouse, taproom, jaipur ipa, brewery tour, pizza, dog friendly, beer club, riverside brewery, uk brewer of the year, vegan beer, gluten free beer
