A historic County Durham brewery is set for growth after being snapped up by a Hampshire beer business.
Seaham-based Castle Eden Brewery, which marks its 200th anniversary next year, was founded by John Nimmo and originally traded as J Nimmo and Sons, operating an estate of 125 pubs at one stage.
Over the years the business has changed hands several times, with previous owners including Whitbread plc. Its assets were acquired by Cliff Walker and David Travers in 2014.
Now, Castle Eden, which supplies major retailers, bar groups, restaurants and hotels with its range of beers and ales, has been acquired by Powder Monkey, a brewing company named after boys who loaded gunpowder on warship, which is based at the opposite end of the country but which has connections with the North East.
Andy Burdon founded Powder Monkey Group (PMG) brewery in Gosport, Hampshire in 2019, but he is originally from Durham and has the same surname as Rowland Burdon, who owned the Castle Eden estate where the original brewery premises were leased to Nimmo.
Former England hooker Steve Thompson, a Rugby World Cup hero, is a director at the Gosport business where he is also a brand ambassador.
Cliff Walker, joint MD of Castle Eden Brewery, said: “We are absolutely delighted to join PMG and look forward to the additional exciting opportunities for growth.”
Mr Burdon said: “We are constantly looking at great opportunities to expand the Powder Monkey portfolio and the attraction back to my heritage in Durham, coupled with a superb facility and great operation, makes great business sense and is fantastic for me on a personal level.
“The realisation that Rowland Burdon had been such a big part in the original brewery being established, and the brand being named after his estate, rounds the story personally. I’m proud of my North Eastern roots and looking forward to resurrecting such a great brand with such strong links to my family name.”
The deal in which Castle Eden Brewery was sold to PMG was led by Will Griffiths, KBS corporate transaction adviser, and also involved Jai Singh of the Alston Asquith law firm.
