Yorkshire journalist launches new microbrewery in Goole

A former journalist has teamed up with a music producer to launch a new business that aims to produce a range of new real ales.

Ben Pindar and Craig Sanderson have invested more than £30k to establish a new microbrewery called Aire Heads Brewery, which is based in Goole.

Ben, who has worked as a journalist and PR director in Yorkshire for more than 20 years and, says the new business was inspired by the people he’s interviewed.

He explained: “Much of my career was spent meeting and working with some incredible Yorkshire entrepreneurs. I’ve always been amazed and what this region creates and achieves and we don’t hear enough about it.

“The passion of these business people was infectious and it has inspired us to start our own business.

“Aire Heads is aiming to push the boundaries of beer making and create something that this region can be proud of. We have big growth ambitions and are aiming to create jobs, grow our production quickly and seek out new markets around the UK and overseas.

“We’re also keen to work with local suppliers and other Yorkshire breweries to help push this region even further ahead. We’ve had some fantastic feedback to the beers we’ve already produced and are really looking forward to getting our beers out there.”

The brewery secured the support of Goole Development Trust, which provided funding alongside a number of investors.

The first ales produced by Aire Heads – a pale, hoppy beer called Rude, Crude and Brewed and a chocolate stout with liquorice called Beyond a Shadow of a Stout – are now being delivered to an array of pubs including Yorkshire Ales in Snaith and the Jemmy Hirst at the Rose and Crown in Rawcliffe.

Ben added: “We’ve got a wide range of beers in the pipeline from simple session bitters to big Russian stouts but we’re aiming to add our own unique Aire Heads twist and develop a range of new concept ales.”

Aire Heads has its own allotment where a range of ingredients, from chilli to hops, are currently being grown organically to develop a new range of beers later this year.

The brewery will also be working with local branches of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to provide real ales for beer festivals across the region, and is also catering for private events and business functions, allowing individual customers to design their own beers.

Craig Sanderson, who has worked around the world as a music producer, returned to Yorkshire to launch the new venture.

He said: “Ben and I have a passion for real ale and for creating unique recipes that will challenge people’s perceptions of craft beer. We have big ideas but are also determined to give something back to our customers, local businesses and the region as a whole.

“We want this to be something everyone can be proud of and create beers that will transform perceptions. We already have mantra in the brewery – beer won’t change the world, but it will make it a better place.”