£600k Wadworth centre opens

From the Wiltshire Times, first published Sunday 23rd Dec 2007.

WADWORTH Brewery has been placed on the Wiltshire tourist map with the opening of a new £600,000 visitor centre.

Visitors to the centre at the Northgate Brewery in Devizes can now get an insight into not only brewing but also the history of the family behind the brewery.

The centre has been developed with the layman in mind with its aim to educate people on the fascinating but complex process of brewing a pint.

Split into four distinct areas visitors will be able to learn about the brewery's long standing heritage, the only working shire horses in Britain, the skills of the pub inn sign writers and the making of wooden casks - manned by the last remaining master brewery cooper in the country.

The centre features the latest touch screen technology and a shopping area with a wide array of merchandise.

The facility, which took eight months to complete, was opened this week by the MP for Devizes Michael Ancram, along with chairman Charles Bartholomew, great grandson of founder John Smith Bartholomew.

Charles Bartholomew said: "We are thrilled to open the Wadworth Brewery Visitor's Centre.

"We aim to make Wadworth a real tourist attraction and believe it will be an exciting new addition for both the brewery and the town."

Managed by Su Stafford, former Kennet Tourist information manager, the centre is open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.

Admission is free.

More photos in next week's Wiltshire Times.

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