One North Yorkshire’s most-loved breweries, Helmsley Brewing Co., can trace its conception back to a visit to a department store in Japan.
What to expect at Helmsley Brewing Co.
In February 2012, history teacher and beer enthusiast, Kyle Boote, went on holiday to Japan. In a department store in Ginza, drawn towards the 'Beers of the World' section, Kyle was disappointed to find that, although there was a decent representation from around the globe, the UK, a country famous for its love of beer, did not feature. Boote concluded that putting English beer on the map was a noble cause and, as this seed started to germinate, his enthusiasm for beer out-grew that for teaching, and his life as a professional brewer began.
Fast-forward to present day and you’ll notice that Kyle has been very busy over the last 12 years. His brewery, Helmsley Brewing Co., situated in the heart of Helmsley in the North York Moors, has gone from strength to strength. The beer is wonderful and is highly-acclaimed not only in Yorkshire but throughout the UK, where you might be lucky enough to have a pint on draught in your best local. The first brew was completed in October 2014 and the Brew Tap served its first customers in November 2014, (which means that they have a very special birthday coming up!). There’s a great atmosphere to the taproom – which has a front room complete with bar, shop and woodburning stove; an area with seating to the left, where the brewing also happens; and a large, partially-covered beer garden – and it’s become one of our favourite places.
And if the Brewery wasn’t already brilliant enough, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar, Angel’s Share, opened above the taproom in 2022, which serves up incredible artisan cocktails on Friday and Saturday evenings. You can read Helmsley Brewing Co.’s full origin story here.
What’s to drink at Helmsley Brewing Co.?
Helmsley Brewing Co. brews a truly exceptional range of beers, four of which will always be on draught in the taproom. Their core range comprises Howardian Gold, a citrusy, floral golden ale; Yorkshire Legend, a classic, easy-drinking bitter; Striding the Riding, a delightful pale ale that’s the official beer of The Cleveland Way; HiPA!, a lightly-hopped IPA; and Helmsley Honey, a golden ale brewed with local North York Moors Honey. Occasional brews include their Saison, a light and fruity summer beer; Santa’s Little Brewer, a festive mulled stout; and one of our absolute favourites, Jacky Boy, a dark, utterly delicious stout.
On our most recent visit (we go quite regularly!), we were lucky enough to try a pint of Platinum, a lovely golden ale that’s the official beer of the North York Moors National Park's 70th anniversary. You can also buy selected products from the range in bottles, either in the Brew Tap or from the Brewery’s online shop. Upstairs (and sometimes, on sunny days, in the beer garden!) Angel’s Share serves up fantastic artisan cocktails, from the classics to original creations. The Brewery also has a choice of bottled lager, spirits, wine and alcohol-free options.
What’s to eat at Helmsley Brewing Co.?
As well as the essential crisps, pork scratchings and nuts, Helmsley Brewing Co. now offer handcrafted pork pies and scotch eggs supplied by Thornton’s Bakehouse, an award-winning bakery and butcher located in Easingwold, North Yorkshire.
What’s on at Helmsley Brewing Co.?
Every Wednesday, the Brewery hosts guided tours, delivered by their expert brewers who will explain in detail the ingredients, equipment and processes involved in brewing the perfect pint. You’ll of course have a chance to sample some of the produce at the end, too! Tours can be booked using the enquiry form on the Brewery’s website. Other events held at the Brew Tap include televised sport, occasional quiz nights and collaborations with local businesses. In 2023, the Brewery joined forces with chefs from High Paradise Farm – a North York Moors smallholding, tearoom, campsite and events venue – to serve up gigantic, delicious burgers in the taproom on Friday and Saturday evenings. Follow Helmsley Brewing Co. on Facebook and Instagram to see what’s coming up next.
Where can I find Helmsley Brewing Co.?
Helmsley Brewing Co. is in the lovely market town of Helmsley, situated on the southern border of the spectacular North York Moors National Park. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes; overlooked by a 900-year-old Medieval castle; and brimming with independent shops, tearooms and pubs, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for walkers, cyclists, nature lovers and tourists alike. Helmsley is 25 miles from York, 30 miles from Middlesbrough and from just over 30 miles from Whitby. You can park on the marketplace or in the large Cleveland Way Car Park, close to the Castle and the Helmsley Walled Garden. The town is is also accessible by bus from destinations including York, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering, Scarborough and Malton. The Brewery and taproom is on Bridge Street, a short walk from the market square.
Helmsley Brewing Co. Brew Tap, Helmsley: Summary
- Brewery and taproom
- Top-quality beers and ales brewed on site
- Cocktail bar upstairs
- Good choice of bar snacks
- Bottles available to take away
- Online shop
- Dog-friendly
- Beer garden
- Woodburning stove
- Helmsley town centre
- Good transport links
- Parking nearby
- Televised sport
- Occasional quizzes
Where can I find out more information or book a brewery tour?
For information on opening times, news and upcoming events, follow Helmsley Brew Co.’s Facebook and Instagram pages. To book a tour, you can use the booking enquiry form on their website.
What’s your favourite beer from Helmsley Brewing Co.? Let us know! Follow our blog for more reviews from North Yorkshire pubs, breweries and taprooms!
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