Castle Eden Brewery and The Old Brewery Business Centre in the town came together to celebrate 200 years of brewing heritage at the historic Old Brewery site.
The anniversary event brought together local businesses, community representatives, beer enthusiasts. and stakeholders to mark the significant milestone, celebrate the relaunch of the Castle Eden beer range, and honour the legacy of one of County Durham’s most historic brewing names.
Held within the original brewery building — now home to The Old Brewery Business Centre — the event celebrated both the site’s rich brewing history and its continued role at the heart of the local community.
Guests enjoyed a programme of heritage talks, guided tastings of the newly-relaunched Castle Eden beers, and a commemorative time capsule ceremony in the original brewery cellar. Filled with contributions from tenants and local organisations, the capsule captures a snapshot of life at The Old Brewery in 2026 for future generations.
A highlight of the afternoon was the relaunch of the Castle Eden beer range, featuring four beers inspired by the brewery’s heritage:
- Castle Eden Ale (4.2% ABV)
- Castle Eden Blonde (3.9% ABV)
- Castle Eden Black (4.6% ABV)
- Castle Eden Red (4.4% ABV)
“Celebrating 200 years of Castle Eden Brewery is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the rich brewing heritage of the area and the generations of people who have contributed to its story,” said Andy Burdon, chief executive of Castle Eden Brewery parent Powder Monkey Group.
“The relaunch of the Castle Eden range is about respecting that heritage while ensuring the brand continues to thrive for years to come. We’re proud to be bringing these beers to a new generation of drinkers and to be celebrating this milestone in the building where it all began.”
Throughout the event, guests were invited to share photographs, memorabilia, and memories connected with Castle Eden Brewery, helping preserve the stories that have shaped both the brewery and the community over the last 200 years.
Francesca Sands, manager ofThe Old Brewery Business Centre, said: “This building has been at the heart of Castle Eden’s story for 200 years. From its origins as a brewery to its current role as a thriving business centre, it has continually evolved while remaining an important part of the local community.
“Celebrating this milestone alongside Castle Eden Brewery and our tenants is a wonderful way to honour the building’s past, recognise its present, and leave something meaningful for future generations through the time capsule project.”
Today, The Old Brewery Business Centre continues the building’s story by providing a home for around 20 local businesses, preserving many of the original brewery features while giving new purpose to this historic site. Alongside flexible office space, meeting rooms, and virtual office services, the centre has become a thriving business community.
As part of Powder Monkey Group, Castle Eden Brewery is entering a new chapter. The relaunch of the Castle Eden range reflects the group’s commitment to investing in heritage brewing brands, preserving their identity while ensuring they continue to thrive for future generations of beer drinkers.
