Cockermouth will soon have its own brewery once again.

Last November, Carlsberg Marston's closed the town's Jennings Brewery, bringing to an end 150 years of history.

But less than a year later a new brewery will open nearby - on Kirkgate.

Times and Star: Mark and Jackie Cockbain's pub The Bitter EndMark and Jackie Cockbain's pub The Bitter End (Image: Supplied)

Well-known town landlords Mark and Jackie Cockbain are realising a long-standing dream - and hope to open the brewery by the end of August in their pub, The Bitter End.

The couple are also landlords of The Wheatsheaf, in Lorton, which they have run for 23 years.

"We always wanted to have our own brewery. We bought the pub three years ago and then had to lock down for Covid so our plans had to be put on hold," said Mark.

The couple bought some equipment from a former brewer in Keswick and are hoping to open at the end of August.

They will be producing three traditional beers - white, dark and bitter - using three three 500 litre fermentors.

"We have done a bit of home brewing and know quite a few other brewers in the area. I've been doing lots of research online and been talking to people who know," said Mark.

"We are going to sell in the pub initially and are looking into bottles and cans."

Previous Bitter End owners Sue Askey and husband Mike had started a brewery in 1995, which closed in 2011.

The brewing equipment was at the back of pub behind a glass wall.

"It's quite novel, people will be able to see the process in action," said Mark.

The couple are delighted to be bringing brewing back into the town.

"It's the heritage of Cockermouth. I was quite upset when they shut Jennings' brewery," said Mark.

"The Wheatsheaf at Lorton was originally taken on by Jennings, we had quite a lot to do with them."

And he is no doubt about the support people have for their plans.

"When I tell people, everyone has a beaming face," he said.

One of those is Len Wainwright, of CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale.

"West Cumbria CAMRA members wish Mark well in his new venture and more importantly look forward to drinking his beer!" he said.