Harvey's Brewery has been a staple in the UK brewing scene for over 180 years, with a rich history that dates back to 1790. They're based in Lewes, East Sussex, and have been family-owned and operated for five generations.
Their beers are renowned for their exceptional quality, with a range of ales and lagers that cater to every taste. From their iconic Best Bitter to their seasonal specials, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Harvey's has a long history of winning awards, including the CAMRA Supreme Champion Beer of Britain award in 1999. This recognition is a testament to their commitment to brewing excellence.
Whether you're a beer aficionado or just looking to try something new, Harvey's Brewery is a must-visit destination.
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History of Harvey's
Harvey's Brewery has a rich history dating back to the time of George III, when the Harvey family began brewing in Lewes. The family originated from London and brought their brewing expertise to the area.
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In 1838, John Harvey acquired the current Bridge Wharf Site for £3,100, marking the beginning of the brewery's presence in Lewes. This site has been the foundation of the brewery ever since.
The brewery's early success was largely due to its ability to produce beer that was safer than water, a common problem at the time. Beer was boiled to remove harmful bacteria, making it a popular choice for locals.
John Harvey's descendants have continued to play a significant role in the brewery's history, with the seventh generation of John Harvey's family among the current directors. This family legacy has helped shape the brewery's values and traditions.
The brewery's original Georgian fermenting room, cellars, and vat house are still intact, although they've been reinforced and updated over the years. This historic part of the brewery is a testament to its long history and commitment to tradition.
In 1880, the tower and brew house were rebuilt in a rustic neo-Gothic design, which is now a listed building of Grade II* status. This distinctive building has become an iconic part of Lewes' landscape.
The brewery's production capacity increased significantly in 1984, with the addition of a second brewing line that doubled production from 25,000 to 50,000 barrels a year. This expansion allowed the brewery to meet growing demand and cement its position in the local market.
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Beers and Production
Harvey's Brewery produces a range of beers, including cask-conditioned, kegged, canned, and bottled ales.
Their cask-conditioned and bottled ales feature an all-year range, as well as seasonal options.
You can find five core ales available from them all year round, including their flagship Sussex Best Bitter and Harveys IPA.
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Beers Produced by Harveys
Harveys Brewery is a regional brewery located in the heart of Sussex, specializing in cask ale production.
Their core range of ales is available all year round, consisting of five beers that customers can easily stock through their Trade Team.
Harveys Sussex Best Bitter is their flagship English bitter, named after the county where the brewery is based.
The brewery also produces a range of bottled beers, including the award-winning Imperial Russian Stout and Regency.
Harveys produces Old Ale for six months of the year, offering customers a seasonal option.
Their core range includes Harveys IPA, Mild, and Sussex Whole Hop Gold, providing a variety of options for customers.
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Beer Delivery
The brewery distributes beer in two ways: either the brewer delivers it themselves or they get Harveys of Lewes to deliver it with their Harveys order to that particular pub.
Harveys have been very helpful in assisting with beer delivery, allowing the brewer to "marry" their own deliveries with Harveys' existing delivery routes.
The brewer's equipment was sourced from various places, including a firm in Honiton and a friend who runs a brewery in Bedford.
The equipment was originally from one of the Bass breweries in Sheffield, which had been pulled down, and was bought at a knock-down price from a reclaimed tyre business.
The brewery's equipment is an amalgam of different breweries throughout the land, with pieces from Ruddles, Whitbread Cheltenham, and Harveys of Lewes, among others.
The brewer bought five 5-barrel cellar tanks, which were likely used for storage or bulk deliveries of beer, and repurposed them as fermenters, a cold/hot liquor tank, and a mash tun.
A beautiful conditioning tank was converted into the copper, and a stainless steel pipework system was installed.
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Awards
Harvey's Brewery has a proud history of winning awards for its beers, particularly its Sussex Best Bitter.
In 2005 and 2006, Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter took home the Best Bitter category at the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Great British Beer Festival.
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Visiting and Experiences
You can take a tour of the Harveys Brewery to learn more about Sussex's regional brewery and see how delicious cask ales and bottled beers are made.
Head to the Harvey's website for more information and availability on the brewery tours.
The Geterbrewed virtual tour is a great alternative if you can't make it to the brewery in person, and it's a must-watch to learn about the history of Harveys.
This virtual tour is available on the Geterbrewed YouTube channel.
Remember, the tours are only suitable for those over 18s.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Harveys brewery?
Harvey's brewery is owned by the Harvey family, with five members from the seventh and eighth generations currently involved in the business. It remains a privately owned company with no external investors.
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