Palmers Brewery

In 1794, Dorset rope and net makers – the Gundry family – built the Old Brewery on the banks of the River Brit in Bridport. Since then, there’s been non-stop brewing on this site. Generations of Palmers have kept the brews bubbling. In the late 19th century, two Palmers brothers – John Cleeves and Robert Henry – bought the brewery and gave it their names: JC & RH Palmer. Today, their great grandson, John, and great great granddaughter Emily, work in the company. As Palmers Brewery, it remains among the best of small independent brewers.

Then, the Old Brewery was thatched. Today, parts are still. Outside, the building has changed little in 100 years. The water wheel, forged in 1879 at a Bridport foundry, still turns. The high stone archway, which dominates the front façade, was built for use by traditional horse-drawn Brewery Drays. They delivered Palmers ales until the 1950s, when small lorries took their place. These vehicles could negotiate the archway comfortably. But today’s larger lorries have just inches to spare!

So externally, the Old Brewery looks much the same as it has for 200 years. Inside, the 19th century screening machine is still in place. The traditional methods and the brewing process remain. So does the focus on the finest ingredients to achieve distinctive flavours for fine ales. But we move with the times. Our Head Brewer is tasked with implementing significant investment and efficiencies in the brewhouse. We’re constantly blending those surviving values and traditions with 21st century science and systems. Where we use processes and ingredients that have stood the test of time, we do it because they are, quite simply, the best. But to them, we add sparkling new equipment, upgraded production and presentation, and the very latest technologies. We do all this to ensure that fine draught ale continues to be synonymous with the Palmers name.

The brewery is open for tours year-round and can be booked in store or online.