County Durham brewers in the running for top microbrewery accolade

County Durham brewery firm Sonnet 43 are among the shortlisted candidates for the Best Microbrewing Pub Company category as this year’s The Publican Awards.

The small Coxhoe-based business has only been trading since 2012 and fits into the category for brewing less than 10,000 barrels a year with at least one quality, beer-focused pub.

Their beers have sold in more than 300 outlets across the North East & North Yorkshire and won Great Taste Awards and they have also opened three brewery taps – The Lambton Worm, Chester le Street, The White Lead, Hebburn and The Clarence Villa, Coxhoe.

Sonnet’s 2014 plans include expanding the brewing capacity and launching more tap venues.

The rigorous judging for the awards consisted of 3 stages, first being the paper application and the second, site visits.

These were carried out by renowned beer writer, Pete Brown, who explored the achievements highlighted in their entry.

The brewery’s owner, Mark Hird, being interviewed by a judging panel of industry experts.

Last year’s winner was Ossett Brewery, based in West Yorkshire, which is a far larger, more-established operation with over 20 pubs and producing around 4 times the amount of beer.

This year, Sonnet 43 is up against well-known, Leeds Brewery, and Brew House & Kitchen.

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Tuesday March 25 at London’s prestigious Grosvenor House Hotel. Liverpudlian comedy, John Bishop, will be hosting and Keith Lemon, of Celebrity Juice fame, will be appearing to on behalf of alcopop brand Hooch.

Mark Hird said: “I’m thrilled to be a finalist for a national accolade of this kind; Sonnet 43 still being a relatively new business this in itself is an achievement.

“I also think it demonstrates that our format of great tasting, award winning craft ales with fresh, local food really works and has serious potential.”