Loddon Brewery was launched by Chris and Vanessa Hearn in 2002 following the closure of Brakspear's brewery in Henley, where Chris and his head brewer Steve Brown worked. Its name derives from its location in the Loddon Valley and the River Loddon. In 2016 their son Dan joined the business, as did their second son Luke in 2019. The brewery has won numerous awards for its traditional real ales, including the 2006 Tesco Drinks Awards and multiple CAMRA and SIBA awards. It won Newcomer of the Year at the Henley on Thames Business Awards 2004, and Chris won Business Person of the Year in 2006. In 2008, the brewery's Ferryman's Gold won a silver medal in the golden beer category at the CAMRA Great British Beer Festival in London. In 2018, long serving Head Brewer Steve Brown retired. Jake Bartleet-Perry joined from Bradford Brewery, having previously also worked at Nightjar Brewery, bringing with him a new direction of more experimental craft beers. Loddon Brewery is based in Dunsden Green on the Phillimore Estate within walking distance of Caversham, Emmer Green, Henley-on-Thames and Reading. The brewery is well used by cyclists and walkers and is both dog and child friendly.
Plus Quad beers, a bi-monthly range of single hop session IPAs:
Jan-Feb - Eureka! Quad - 4.4%
March-April - Rakau Quad - 4.4%
May-June - Ekuanot Quad - 4.4%
July-August - Pekko Quad - 4.4%
September-October - Eagle Quad - 4.4%
November-December - Idaho 7 Quad - 4.4%
Beer is available to purchase directly from the brewery in 500ml bottles. Draught beers are available to take away in 2, 5, 10, 20 and 40 litre containers. Plus 2 litre refillable glass growlers. Loddon bottled beers are available in Budgens, Co-Op, Majestic wines and a host of independent off licenses,
The taproom was opened in 2018 and you can enjoy a pint of Loddon straight from the source. Featuring five rotating Loddon beers, the taproom has indoor and outdoor seating and surrounded by beautiful countryside. In 2019, an outside decking area was installed. As well as a wide-screen TV in the Tap Room, the brewery also has a 2m x 1.5m giant screen in the brew house, with HD projector and surround sound. This is used to show a range of free to airsporting events such as Rugby and Football World Cups, Football European Championships, Six Nations Rugby and all major horse racing festivals. Keg beers are available anytime – and you can always get a cask beer from the cellar – but if you want a pint through the handpumps they’ll be available:
Thursday – 10am to 6pm
Friday – 10am to 8pm
Saturday – 10am to 7pm
Sunday – Closed
Last orders are called 30 minutes before closing time. As well as beer; wine, spirits, teas, coffees, and soft drinks are all available over the bar. The Store stocks a wide range of local produce including:
Spirits from Cotswold Distillery, Hobbs of Henley, Chalgrove Artisan Distillery, Twisting Spirits, Santa Cruz and The Oxford Artisan Distillery.
Cider from Tutts Clump
Preserves from Caversham Jam Lady
Honey from Coppid Hall
Chutneys from Well Preserved
Pickles from Windy Mills
The Store also stocks a range of popular wines from Laithwaites and alcohol free Seedlip distilled spirit. Cold bar snacks are available, including homemade sausage rolls and cheese straws. Locally produced biltong and pork scratchings are also a favourite with locals.
Beer Club
Loddon has a thriving Beer Club. Benefits include:
Cask pints for £2.50
10% discount on all Loddon products
3 member socials each year including an open bar and BBQ