THE multi-award winning Ilkley Brewery, famous for its Mary Jane session pale ale, will celebrate its latest milestone on March 1 - its 15th anniversary.

From humble beginnings, Ilkley Brewery is now an established brand showcasing the best of Yorkshire across the UK and internationally, combining heritage with innovation, passion with skill.

Ilkley Gazette: Mary Jane bottlesMary Jane bottles (Image: John Hope Photography)

In 15 years the brewery on Ashlands Road has brewed:

  • 17.4 million pints. That is enough to fill four Olympic swimming pools.
  • 365 different beers. That’s an average of two new beers every month.
  • been awarded 100 plus local, regional, national and international awards.
  • exported to 15 countries.
  • seven supermarkets listings in UK and listed in France, Italy, Finland and Sweden.

Ilkley Gazette: The steamy Ilkley BreweryThe steamy Ilkley Brewery (Image: John Hope Photography)

Ilkley Brewery won its first national award in 2009, and welcomed HRH Princess Anne in 2012. She unveiled a new expansion and brewed a special beer for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee that year, which was listed in Harvey Nichols and exported to the US. Bespoke brews have since been commissioned for Harewood House, The Savoy, M&S and Booths. There have also been collaborations with breweries in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Ukraine and around the world, as well as with many UK breweries. 2024 will see more new beers than ever, with exciting collaborations, new specials and projects well underway. In fact, there have already been eight brand new beers designed and released this year already.

Ilkley Gazette: Cheers to 15 years of Ilkley BreweryCheers to 15 years of Ilkley Brewery (Image: Xanthe Hutchinson)

Luke Raven, the brewery’s co-owner, said this of reaching the milestone: “It’s been an incredible journey to get to this point. From a homebrew kit in a garage and winning a national award in our first year, to the expansions that have followed. I am so proud of everyone involved, and in particular our current team who work tirelessly to ensure the best pint is brewed, shipped and enjoyed. Fifteen years is just the beginning!”

Set against an increasingly challenging industry backdrop, Ilkley Brewery’s continued and resolute success stands out. Brexit, Covid, the invasion of Ukraine and now the cost-of-living crisis – each challenge has been managed and overcome, putting the business in a strong position to be looking ahead to the next 15 years. 2024 has already seen further expansion with two new fermenters installed ready for all of the new beers.

Ilkley Gazette: Sampling beer at Ilkley BrewerySampling beer at Ilkley Brewery (Image: Beershots)

Luke added: “We have a full programme of celebrations planned for the whole year, for both the local and wider communities. Keep an eye out on our socials and website for announcements and details of our festivals, live music and comedy events, as well as exciting collaborations and new beer releases.”