A small batch brewery based in Ryhall, Rutland, has been bought by Rutland Brewing Co, owners of Grainstore Brewery of Oakham in a move to save the brand.

Stoney Ford Brew Co Ltd, owned by local brewers Simon Watson and Tim Nicol, announced its closure on 5th April as its current premises had become unavailable and uneconomic.

They were then approached by William Davis, co-owner of Rutland Brewing Co, who proposed a rescue package.

Tim said: “As a small micro-brewery we faced an uphill climb in trying to expand our business.

“Although we are barely two years old, we're proud of what we've achieved locally with our beers and our brand and are delighted that the effort and investment we've made won't go to waste. The Rutland Brewing Company, owns The Grainstore Brewery and Rutland Cider Company, and has the resources, capacity, and distribution network to enable Stoney Ford to not just survive, but thrive.”

As part of the package, the Rutland Brewing Company has bought Stoney Ford's brewery and has relocated the kit to its premises in Station Approach, Oakham, ensuring nothing about the brewing method changes.

Tim and Simon have also helped with the transition between the two breweries to move over production of their three main recipes for Sheepmarket Supernova Straw, PE9 Paradise Pale, and All Saints Almighty Amber.

They will continue as brand ambassadors for Stoney Ford and Tim will work alongside Rutland Brewing Company as a brand consultant and has even promised that Stoney Ford's iconic “alebulance”, a 1970 Morris Minor 7cwt will still make appearances at shows and events.

William said: “In the ultra-competitive UK beer market and with the economic conditions that exist today, it's extremely difficult to develop and grow a brewery business.

“Tim and Simon have successfully achieved this over the last two years whilst sticking to their principles of brewing with the finest English ingredients, producing a range of ales that have a great reputation locally.

“We intend to continue with that ethos, whilst introducing the Stoney Ford brand to a wider audience.”

The Rutland Brewing Company has ambitious growth plans, including possible investment opportunities, for its Grainstore and Rutland Cider brands over the next twelve months and the opportunity to save Stoney Ford, a fellow Rutland producer, and develop its range of products alongside RBC's existing portfolio, naturally fits with those plans.

William added: “We hope that both Tim and Simon will continue to be the wonderful brand ambassadors for Stoney Ford that they have been over the last two years.”

**ends**

Notes to editors: For more information or interview opportunities, contact William Davis or Peter Atkinson, Rutland Brewing Company at enquiries@rutlandbrewingcompany.com or call 01572 770065.

Stoney Ford's move from Ryhall to Oakham will take place during April and beers should be available mid-May.

FAQs:

• Will Stoney Ford beers taste the same? We intend to change nothing and that's why we not only acquired the brand but the entire brewing kit.
• When will they be available to order? Monday 14th May following a short layoff to recommission the Stoney Ford brewing kit.
• Are you keeping all of the Stoney Ford range? Initially, we will concentrate on the three core brands, Sheepmarket Supernova Straw, PE9 Paradise Pale, and All Saints Almighty Amber.
• Will the brand stay the same? The strength of the Stoney Ford brand means very little needs doing to enhance what has already been achieved.
• Will Stoney Ford prices change? We will keep the same pricing structure.
• Will RBC brew on Stoney Ford's kit? We intend to change nothing and that's why we not only acquired the brand but the entire brewing kit.
• What will Simon and Tim do? Are they involved in the combined business? They are now honorary Brand Ambassadors with Tim hopefully undertaking a brand consultancy role within the Rutland Brewing Co.
• How much did RBC pay? We are not disclosing the figure.
• What's happening to the Alebulance? We intend that the Alebulance will return as it's part of the recognisable brand and is very much the mascot for the business.
• Are you dropping some of the Grainstore range to make room for Stoney Ford? None of the Award-winning beers produced by The Grainstore Brewery will be affected by the acquisition of Stoney Ford Brewing Co. Ltd.