Redbourn: Farr Brew owners 'excited' to open their new home

Last year quickly became a self-confessed "nightmare" for the co-owners of Farr Brew, Nick Farr and Matt Elvidge, as they were forced to leave their brewery site at Samuel's Farm, Wheathampstead.

A subsequent fundraiser and the search for a new site ensued, with hopes to keep the brewery alive.

The new Farr Brew location at Great Revel Farm is scenic to say the least. (Image: Nick Farr)

The views from the new brewery at Great Revel Farm, Redbourn. (Image: Nick Farr) What Nick described as "real bl**dy luck " led to an "extraordinary partnership" between Farr Brew and the Standbridge family - owners of Great Revel End Farm in Redbourn.

Two planning applications (one refused) and construction followed, with an opening night on Friday, November 22 announced for the new brewery.

The ticketed event will cost £10 and is set to host over 200 punters, showing off the "fantastic facility".

New flooring is put in place for the brewery. (Image: Nick Farr) The barn space will become the new home of Farr Brew. (Image: Nick Farr) Nick revealed the enormous cost of the process, but was pleased to be "coming out of the clouds" for Christmas.

"It has been an intensely frustrating period for us since we had to leave, and it's painful from a financial perspective too, costing us over £120,000 thus far.

"After the devastation of closing, the opportunity we have now feels too good to be true, the family have been lovely and we are pleased to be at the forefront of the future for this 600-acre farm."

Farr Brew is spearheading the plans for the Standbridge Farm development and Nick hopes to start their own vineyard in addition to hosting several events in the future.

Co-founder Matt using his tractor to prepare the brewery's outdoor space. (Image: Nick Farr) It remains all hands on deck to ensure the brewery to opens in November. (Image: Nick Farr) The co-owner highlighted the benefits of the move which became a "catalyst of growth" for the brewery.

"Brewing capacity has tripled," he said. "We are upping production significantly and we will now have space for around 60 tables. New beers and wine will allow us to bumper our drinks offering too.

"Another added bonus for customers is that the farm's next barley crop will be ours, going straight from field to glass."

About Farr Brew

Farr Brew was founded in 2014 by Nick and Matt and expanded to a 10-barrel plant two years later.

The brewery won’t be enlarged at the new site, but Nick plans to increase the number of fermenting vessels from four to six in hopes of growing production and supplying to more pubs in the area.

Matt Elvidge (left) and Nick Farr. At present Farr Brew run six pubs – several of them leased from Greene King – but Nick plans to expand by selling beer to pubs in Amersham, Aylesbury, Chesham and St Albans.

The Farr Brew pubs are the Reading Rooms in Wheathampstead, the Elephant & Castle at Amwell, the Rising Sun in Slip End, the Red Cow in Harpenden, the Eight Bells in Old Hatfield and – just added – the Bell in Tring, a 400-year-old coaching inn.

The future of the brewery

Looking to the future, Nick and Matt were "excited" to announce the opportunities that were lined up including a summer music festival next year.

A recent announcement post on Facebook read: "Yes folks…. The wait is nearly over!!

"Farr Brew is reborn!!"

"We have been working our proverbials off to make a beautiful new brewery. It’s huge! Lots more beer, a much bigger tap room, pizzas available all the time, a full bar offer, and an incredible outdoor space," the post added.

The brewery will be open to the public from Saturday, November 23.

Its opening times are: Thursday and Fridays, 4pm to 8pm, Saturdays, 11am to 8pm and Sundays, 11am to 5pm.

To find out more about Farr Brew and the upcoming opening go to farrbrew.com or contact Nick via nick@farrbrew.com