Brewery delivers Christmas cheer

A Wiltshire pub is getting into the Christmas spirit by delivering its beer to local pubs using a reindeer-drawn sleigh.

Box Steam Brewery’s head drayman, Tony Lockyear delivering casks of the brewery’s real ale by sleigh, pulled by bull reindeer Cupid and Comet

The family-run Box Steam Brewery in Wilshire eschewed its usual diesel delivery van in favour of reindeers Cupid and Comet for the delivery to the Cross Guns pub in Avoncliff.

Brewery’s managing director Andy Roberts said the brewery’s ales, which are supplied to more than 100 local pubs and restaurants across the West Country, as well as having listings in Tesco, Lidl and Aldi, were produced using an energy-efficient steam kettle system. “This draydeer-powered service is really just an extension of our commitment to maintaining a low carbon footprint,” he said. “Small breweries like ours are meeting the public demand for authentic, well-crafted ales with personality – locals want local at their local”

However a spokesman added that although its dropped off a few more casks near to the Brewery, it would be sticking to “more conventional vehicles” for deliveries further afield.

“Comet and Cupid have a busy night coming up and they’ll need to conserve their energy,” he said.

The Brewery, which was named after a historic, no-defunct brewery in Bath, was set up in 2004 and bought by Robert family, which owns the Cross Guns, in 2006. Its beers, which include Tunnel Vision and Piston Broke, as well as seasonal ales and one-off monthly brew, were rebranded earlier this year in order to boost its standout on shelf and behind the bar.