The Big Lamp Brewery has been in existence since 1982 and is the oldest micro brewery in the North East. It started off as a hobby and originally occupied a building in the West End of Newcastle City Centre, near the site where the Big Lamp was located, hence the name.
Over the years it has slowly become a thriving and successful business. Its first brew was the ever popular Big Lamp Bitter in 1982 which was brewed for The Red House pun on the Quayside. The original shareholders were Norman Bell, John Tomlinson, Terry Hanson, Tom Hanson and Paul Needham (for a short time). Initially they brewed about 10 barrels per week, usually over the weekend since everybody had full time jobs.
In 1986 the Big Lamp Off Licence was opened next to the Brewery to help sell some of the beers. The beers were also distributed through tied houses such as the Oddfellows Arms in Haswell and the Wheatsheaf Inn in Felling. Other outlets were various Fitzgerald Pubs and other Free Houses (Cumberland Arms in Byker). Legendary Yorkshire Heroes and NORA also assisted with early distribution and helped to promote the real ale.
In 1986 Terry Hanson took on the job as a full time brewer to keep up with the demand. Elizabeth Hanson is employed to run the Off Licence on a full time basis selling seve
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The Big Lamp Brewery