TWO Cumbrian breweries, Tractor Shed Brewing and Crooked River Brewing Co, have announced a partnership designed to 'stimulate the growth and diversity of the local beer scene'.

Since launching at the Taste Cumbria Food Festival in Cockermouth last year, Crooked River has gained a lot of local support, notably through a recent crowdfund which helped the company raise more than £20,000.

This fund will help keep the town’s brewing heritage alive following the closure of its only active brewery, Jennings, which operated for almost 200 years.

Tractor Shed Brewing with Crooked River co-founder Alan Fitton Crellin, will brew, keg and deliver their beers to outlets in Cumbria.

Based at Calva Brow, Workington, Tractor Shed Brewing is an established brewery where Alan has worked since 2015, starting his career as an assistant brewer.

READ MORE: Crooked River Brewing Co., Cockermouth launch beer with Createc

Bottled in Cumbria, and based on the Derwent Mills estate in Cockermouth, it will be packaged into cans ready for sale from March.

Graeme Mitchell, owner of Tractor Shed Brewing, said, “It may seem odd to help another, competing brewery establish themselves but I believe that small, family run, local businesses should stick together and support each other."

Having discussed and agreed the partnership over the holidays, the first brew day for Crooked River at The Tractor Shed will be Tuesday January 31.

READ MORE: Campaign started to reinstate brewing in Cockermouth after Jennings' closure

A West Coast IPA will closely be followed by their popular Pacific Pale and a new DDH Pale. 

Phil Scholey, Crooked River co-founder, adds, “The crowdfund was the first step towards building a future for brewing in Cockermouth.

"Although we still have a long road ahead of us, the partnership represents an opportunity to move one step closer and will guarantee us a supply to fulfil more business in our local area and launch our own events for the town later in the year.”

If you’re interested in finding out more about either Tractor Shed Brewing or Crooked River Brewing Co and their beers they can be contacted on hello@tractor-shed.co.uk or info@crooked-river.co.uk.