Arkell’s Brewery, the beloved Wiltshire family brewer, is thrilled to announce the extraordinary accomplishment of the first couple to successfully conquer the special Arkell’s 180th Anniversary Ale Trail.
Peter and Anne Hanscomb, hailing from Swindon, have embarked on an epic journey spanning Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Hampshire to visit all 83 designated locations on the trail, emerging triumphant in just three months.
The Arkell’s 180th Anniversary Ale Trail, launched earlier this year to commemorate the brewery’s rich heritage and 180 years of brewing excellence, has attracted over 200 participants from various parts of the country, including Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire. This exciting trail takes beer enthusiasts and pub lovers on an adventure through Arkell’s pubs, bars, and taverns, where they can savor a wide range of Arkell’s brews.
The trail is hosted on Cask Marque’s CaskFinder App, a free mobile application that allows users to register and join Arkell’s trail. By scanning codes at participating pubs, participants can earn prize points and win rewards along the way. While a prize can be earned with as few as 10 scans, Peter and Anne went above and beyond by visiting all 83 sites, showcasing their dedication to the challenge.
Anne Hanscomb, who has an additional motivation for completing the trail, shared her experience: “I am training for The Thames Path Ultra Challenge in September, so as part of my training plan, I attempted to walk to most of the pubs. Although for some of the more distant ones, I had to be a bit more creative and drive part of the way before walking to the pub and back to the car. Thanks to Arkell’s, I even managed to convince my husband to join me on some of the training walks, as they involved a refreshing pint of ale for him!”
As the first couple to conquer Arkell’s 180th Anniversary Ale Trail, Peter and Anne have already claimed numerous prizes and rewards. Their exceptional achievement has earned them a special private brewery tour led by Arkell’s master brewer, Alex Arkell. During the tour, they will gain exclusive insights into the intricate brewing process and have the opportunity to taste some of Arkell’s latest creations before enjoying a delightful lunch at the brewery tap.
To commemorate their exceptional accomplishment, Peter and Anne will also receive a unique certificate marking their distinction as the first to visit all 83 sites on the trail. George and Alex Arkell, representatives of the Arkell family, personally met the couple at the last Arkell’s pub on their trail, The Village Inn in Liddington, where they extended their warmest congratulations.
“We are delighted to welcome Peter and Anne to The Village Inn, Liddington, as they complete their incredible journey,” expressed George Arkell, Managing Director of Arkell’s Brewery. “Their dedication to visiting all our pubs and their genuine passion for our beers is truly humbling.”
The Village Inn in Liddington, which recently reopened after a six-month closure, is a significant location on the trail. Arkell’s Brewery had been actively searching for a new tenant and was thrilled when Adam Clay, an existing Arkell’s tenant and the operator of The New Inn in Stratton, expressed interest in taking over the pub. With the support of the local community, Adam aims to ensure The Village Inn continues to flourish.
Alex Arkell, representing the sixth generation of the Arkell family, expressed his enthusiasm for the ale trail: “We’re incredibly excited about the Arkell’s 180th Anniversary Ale Trail. It celebrates so many wonderful aspects—our significant milestone anniversary, the charm of traditional British pubs, and, of course, the exceptional quality of our locally brewed beers. We want people to step out of their comfort zones, show support for their local establishments, and rediscover the authentic charm that can be found in pubs like The Village Inn.”
Peter Hanscomb shared his delight at rediscovering the remarkable pubs that had fallen off their radar, saying, “I must say, it has been a true delight to rediscover these lovely pubs and, of course, the fantastic range of Arkell’s beers! Arkell’s estate of public houses caters to all tastes and preferences, from cozy traditional pubs to stunning country hotels, and we were made to feel incredibly welcome at every establishment, despite being complete strangers.”
or further information about Arkell’s Brewery and its diverse range of craft beers and pubs, please visit www.arkells.com.
