Gwynedd craft brewer expands and creates jobs after receiving grants
An award-winning Penygroes brewery has received grants which, alongside contributions from the brewery’s own funds, will help the business expand and create jobs.
Bragdy Lleu, which was established in 2013, received financial support from the Welsh Government's Coastal Communities Fund and the ARFOR Programme. The grants, combined with the brewery’s own financial contributions, have funded the building of an Interpretation Centre; the purchase an electric van, new brewing equipment and a forklift truck; a contribution towards solar panels; as well as funding two jobs for two years.
The brewery is keen to support the local economy, and is equally passionate about the history, culture and language of Dyffryn Nantlle. The company’s strong connection to its local area means that the four beers it brews at its Penygroes site are all inspired by the Mabinogi – the world-famous Welsh folk tales rooted in Dyffryn Nantlle.
Blodeuwedd is a golden ale with subtle floral notes. Lleu, an amber ale blending the flavours of natural malts and hops. Gwydion is a traditional ale that’s tasty with a memorable flavour; while Bendigeidfran is a strong, tasty Welsh red IPA. All four won the Great Taste Award in 2019, and in 2021 Gwydion and Bendigeidfran both received medals at the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Awards.
The beers are all produced using high quality natural ingredients and are sold throughout Wales and beyond; as well as supplying pubs across north Wales with casks, Bragdy Lleu supplies Welsh pubs, shops and restaurants with bottles. There’s also a mobile bar selling beer at events, weddings and other celebrations.
The electricity powering the brewery is sourced from Ecotricity, ensuring 100% of the electricity used in the brewing is from clean and green sources. The investment in an electric van, another ‘green’ move by Bragdy Lleu, will enable the brewery to deliver its beers to pubs and shops – as well as direct to customers’ doorsteps, a new service being introduced in 2022.
The company will soon move its site to a much larger unit, just 100 metres down the road. Thanks to the move, Bragdy Lleu will be able to increase the amount of beer brewed, as they have also invested significantly in brand new brewing equipment.
The new development will also include a ‘tap room’, enabling customers to visit for a pint, sample the different beers, and go on a brewery tour to learn more about Bragdy Lleu’s beers and the brewing process.
For the first time in its history, Bragdy Lleu will also be employing staff and will be recruiting for these new roles in spring 2022. The new jobs will enable the successful applicants to develop skills in the field and be part of the venture at a very exciting time.
What’s more, there will be two or three new beers introduced in 2022, so this is a very exciting time for Bragdy Lleu in more ways than one!
