Beartown Brewery is situated in the historic Cheshire market town of Congleton which is mentioned in the Domesday Book and acquired the nickname of “Beartown” from an infamous incident in its history.

After being granted Borough status in 1272, the three most senior positions within the borough were those of the Mayor, the Ale Taster and the Bear Warden whose job was to oversee the bear baiting which unfortunately took place at the fairs within the town.

The town’s love of ale and brewing would also have kept the Ale Taster busy. In 1584 records show that there were 45 inns and ale houses in the town which at that time had a population of just 1000!

In 1632 the serving Bear Warden had insufficient funds to purchase a bear for the local festivities. Rather than face the wrath of the local merrymakers he decided to buy a bear with money that had been put aside to buy a new bible for the town hall. The rhyme recounting the event was then popularised and the Towns nickname of Beartown was born   –

Beartown Brewery Ltd
Bromley House
Spindle Street
Congleton
CW12 1QN

Phone     01260 299964
Fax         01260 278895