A LOCAL couple have successfully launched a new microbrewery in Keighley.

Adrian and Emma Chapman brewed their first drink at Wishbone Brewery's Chesham Street premises, off Dalton Lane, at the weekend.

And their intention is to make the brewery into not only a production facility, but a welcoming location where drinkers can drop in and sample some of what they have to offer.

Mrs Chapman said: "It's great to be finally here and brewing – it has been a long time coming.

"It has taken eight to nine months to get the brewery up and running, and there's still some finishing touches to do, like getting the bar area ready so we can hold events and get the public in to taste our beer.

"Our first beer is Wishbone Blonde, which is brewed using German and Polish hops. We've only done a half brew for our first one, which has made 820 litres, or 20 pub casks."

Mr Chapman is no stranger to this industry, having previously spent more than five years working for Saltaire Brewery, where he was brewhouse team leader.

He previously indulged his passion by brewing beer at home.

Mrs Chapman said: "Adrian is no longer working at Saltaire Brewery and his time is now fully spent at Wishbone.

"We do, however, have a good relationship with Saltaire, and are hoping to provide them with beer for their up-and-coming beer festival this month.

"My role in the brewery will be sales, marketing, events and running the Brewery Bar.

"We hope to provide a wide range of beer styles to suit everyone's tastes, from easy drinking pale ales through to stronger styles for the more adventurous drinker."

She added: "We're very pleased with how the premises have turned out. It's involved a lot of hard work and getting the property just how we need it to be.

"We do have room for future expansion, but we will be concentrating on what we have built so far for now.

"Currently, it is just us two working here, but we do hope to take staff on in the future.

"We are a ten-barrel brewery with five fermenters of two different sizes. We aim to brew two to three times a week to start with."

As reported in the Keighley News last December, when the couple announced their plans for the business, Mr Chapman said he was keen to help drinkers expand their taste horizons, with a beer range including hops from around the world, speciality malts from across Europe, and different yeasts, fruit, herbs and spices.

He said he and his wife were also looking forward to being a part of the further regeneration of the Dalton Lane area.

lWhat do you think? We welcome letters on this or any other subject. E-mail richard.parker@keighleynews.co.uk or write to the Content Editor, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire BD21 3AG. Please include your full name, address and daytime telephone number.