Steak and Swan

Based in Leominster, the Swan Brewery began brewing earlier this year, and is led by brewer Jimmy

Swan and his partner Gill. Jimmy has over twenty years’ experience from being a former brewer at Wye Valley, and within this ten-barrel pant he aims to brew classic beer styles complemented by New World or Czech Republic varieties.

Jimmy didn’t just name the beer after himself; he was actually inspired by watching a swan swimming on the river Wye and all the beers are swan-themed. Their first beer was Swan Gold, a 4% golden ale with Admiral and Saaz hops which delivers a floral and herbal aroma with a zesty taste. They’ve since increased the range to five beers, including Cygneture Ale, Swan on the Wye, and Arm Breaker; a 6% Indian pale ale which is deep golden in colour and uses crystal grains.

With a taste for local food and drink, Swan Brewery have teamed up with a local butcher produce a magnificent Steak and Swan pie.  Butcher Richard Jones at Quarry Farm Shop uses only Swan Ale in his steak and ale pies, and says that his customers love the novel idea of demonstrating that’s it’s not just the Queen who’s allowed to eat swans!

You can find out more about the Swan Brewery online at www.swanbrewery.co.uk.