Purity in Warwickshire - thanks to DEFRA

January 3, 2006: A Government grant has helped two former Bass employees establish a new Warwickshire brewery.

Purity Brewery, based at Upper Spernall Farm, has been set up by Paul Halsey and Jim Minkin, who between them have more than 30 years' experience in the brewery business.

The pair received a grant of £200,000 to start the business from the Rural Enterprise Scheme, offered through the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The brewery has two core brands: Pure Gold, (3.8%), a light easy-drinking ale, and Pure UBU (pronounced oo-boo, 4.5%), a full-flavoured amber beer named after the farm dog.

The state of the art brewery was constructed in the farm's redundant sheep sheds, which were specifically converted for the purpose. Although the plant is ultra-modern, the brewery will create cask ales through traditional methods, and using only natural ingredients.

Paul Halsey said: "Purity Brewing Co is a business formed out of a passion for brewing and wanting to make a difference. Defra's support has enabled us to create a brewery that is truly unique and will be at the centre of the community.

"Being in the Heart of England enables us to reach a target market that really has a genuine interest in locally produced beers. After all, Stratford-upon-Avon once had a great tradition for brewing at the famous Flower's brewery.

"Our brewery has great flexibility in that it can brew 10 or 20 barrels at a time - that's up to 6000 pints. As well as selling to the local pubs, our beers will be available from the brewery shop in five-litre mini-casks and 20-litre polypins."