Wimbledon craft brewery starts production

Nearly two centuries after the first Wimbledon Brewery opened its doors on Wimbledon High Street, a new craft brewery is starting production in time for the famous tennis championship.

The Wimbledon Brewery team (L to R); Derek Prentice, head brewer; Mark Gordon, owner; and Richard Coltart, sales and marketing director (Photo: Wimbledon Brewery)

The Wimbledon Brewery, based at College Fields in London, has started production at its 30-barrel site, utilising what it says are “the best of English brewing traditions and the best ingredients”.

The brewery will initially produce the Common Pale Ale available at “discerning establishments throughout the borough of Merton and South West London”, but has plans expand its offering with other beer styles and seasonal ales.

Sitting just a 15-minute drive from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, the home of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, which begin next Monday, The Wimbledon Brewery will house a tap room and bar, as well as a shop.

Tours of the site, brewing courses, tastings and private hire for parties will also be on offer.

Entrepreneur Mark Gordon, a resident of Wimbledon, is the founder of the brewery and has partnered with master brewer Derek Prentice.

Mr Gordon said: “It’s been 18 months in the making but I’m pleased to say we are now officially open for business. We aim to be a source of pride for the people of Merton.

The combination of Derek’s expertise and experience together with ingredients of the highest quality means an exceptional beer. We aim to be the preferred choice for discerning beer drinkers.”

Head Brewer Derek Prentice, who started his career at Truman Brewery in his late teens, said: “Our philosophy is to utilize the best of English brewing traditions and the best ingredients. The core range will be brewed using one of my favourite barley varieties, Maris Otter, and our hops will include the classic English varieties.”