Traditions and Transitions: How Hook Norton Brewery is Brewing a Greener Future
In the heart of the Cotswolds, where the scent of malt has drifted through the air since 1849, a revolution is taking place. But at Hook Norton Brewery, change doesn’t come at the expense of heritage; it serves to protect it.
Known globally for its iconic Victorian “tower” design and the Shire horses that still deliver beer to local pubs, the brewery has announced its latest leap into the 21st century. While the building remains a Grade II listed monument to the industrial age, its internal heartbeat is becoming increasingly high-tech and eco-conscious.
Powering the Tower
The most visible sign of this “green evolution” is the installation of a massive solar array. Discreetly positioned to respect the historic skyline, these panels are now generating a significant portion of the brewery’s electricity.
“We are custodians of a unique piece of history,” says Managing Director James Clarke. “Our duty is two-fold: we must preserve these beautiful Victorian buildings, but we must also ensure they are fit for a world where reducing our carbon footprint is no longer optional.”
The brewery has recently completed a major upgrade to its heating systems, transitioning from older, less efficient methods to modern steam boilers and air-source heat pumps. Even the water used to cool the beer isn’t wasted—it’s captured, reheated by the brewing process, and recycled to save thousands of gallons and significant energy every year.
Beyond the Glass
Sustainability at “Hooky” extends far beyond the brewhouse walls. The brewery has long been a pioneer in the “circular economy.” Spent grains—the byproduct of the mash tun—don’t go to a landfill; they are collected by local farmers to feed cattle. Even the waste yeast is sent to anaerobic digestion plants to create renewable energy.
For the village itself, the brewery serves as a hub for the Hook Norton Low Carbon initiative. The site hosts community electric vehicle charging points and has historically supported a biodiesel tank for local residents.
Looking Ahead
While the Shire horses remain the stars of the show—reminding visitors of a time when “miles per gallon” wasn’t a concern—the brewery is proving that even a 175-year-old business can lead the way in environmental stewardship.
From reducing plastic in our packaging to sourcing hops and malt from local farmers to minimise “beer miles,” the message from Hook Norton is clear: the best way to honour the past is to protect the future.
To learn more about the brewery’s specific environmental targets, solar projects, and how we are balancing history with harmony, visit our official sustainability page.
