Picture the scene… The sun is shining, gleaming horses are parading in the paddock, condensation is forming on the outside of a cold glass of something lovely – and you’re even doing your bit for the Cumbrian economy.
That’s the hope from the teams at Cartmel Racecourse and Bowness Bay Brewing who are working together to bring the tastiest local chilled beers to racegoers again this season.
The two have been in partnership for two years. Bowness Bay Brewing supply a range of their own flavours, as well as a selection from Cartmel’s own Unsworth Yard Brewery.
From classic hand-drawn cask ales to lagers which won gold at the World Brewing Awards, there are plenty of options for visitors to choose from.
Rick Eastwood, the company’s operations director, says: “We love being involved with Carmel Racecourse and we’re proud to see our products on sale there.”
Bowness Bay Brewing is one of Cumbria’s success stories. Set up 12 years ago by Richard and Kim Husbands, it started life at Richard’s kitchen table in Bowness on Windermere. As the company grew, it moved to Winster, then relocated again to its current home on the historic Goodacre Carpet factory site in Kendal.
The size of their operations there has given the team a great opportunity for expansion. Alongside the brewery, they also have The Venue, a Scandi-style entertainment and events destination, and The Barrel House tap room. It’s furnished with repurposed and upcycled rustic fittings – not least the bar, crafted from a 200-year-old piece of oak from where it all began, Bowness on Windermere.
Those very local roots are important – from the fresh and sustainable Lake District water used to make the beers, to the fixtures and fittings crafted by Ellie Barden of Grace Forge at Brougham Hall near Penrith, and the bottling which is done by Bottled in Cumbria in Cockermouth.
The beers themselves are on sale in shops, bars, restaurants and hotels across Cumbria, Lancashire and beyond, with the likes of Westmorland Group at Tebay services and Booths supermarkets stocking their ranges.
“Since the pandemic began, people have really started to appreciate the provenance of their food and drink like never before,” says Richard. “There is a really strong demand for a locally-produced name like ours.”
However, the industry isn’t without its challenges. The energy crisis, combined with the war in Ukraine which saw malt prices soar as supply chains were cut, has given all breweries some serious hangovers.
“You can’t brew beer without boiling water,” adds Richard, “we don’t compromise, and we don’t have the economies of scale like the big breweries.
“But we have worked hard and been lucky because we have managed to trade through it. Because we are local and established we can deliver for a fair price.”
So what can those visiting Cartmel Racecourse expect in their chilled glasses this Summer? Richard knows what he would be choosing.
“Lakes Lager, all day long,” he says. “Though, when I’m concentrating on the racing and conversations with my family and friends and want to stick to something low in alcohol, it would we our Swan Free range. It’s 0.5%ABV so ideal for sitting in the sunshine watching the horses.
“Swan Blonde is the biggest seller we brew. It’s really refreshing and served in cask and keg so you can keep it chilled. That’s a great choice on a summer’s day.”
Geraldine McKay, Director of Racing at Cartmel Racecourse, is in total agreement. She says: “We love to see our visitors sitting around their cool boxes in their deckchairs on race days, hopefully with some chilled local beers in there to keep them refreshed as they watch their winners cross the finish line.
“We’re committed to serving the best food and drink in our bars and restaurants around the course and when those ingredients come from just a few miles away it makes it all the more special for everyone. With beers from Bowness Bay Brewing on offer, our racegoers are in for a brilliant event.”
The next racedays at Cartmel take place on Saturday July 22 and Monday 24. For more information or to book visit the Cartmel Racecourse website.
