A new head brewer has taken residence at a traditional Cumbrian inn to oversee the installation of new equipment and an increase in production of exclusive beers manufactured on site.
The Wild Boar Inn near Windermere has recruited 40-year-old Lukasz Zalewski from Staveley as the new head of its own Brewhouse microbrewery.
Formerly the head brewer for the Windermere Brewing Co, Lukasz has a wealth of experience in making beer and will take full charge of operations at the site which produces ales such as Mad Pig, Hogshead 54 and Smoked Porter.
The microbrewery has benefited from the installation of new brewing equipment including a new cask washer and the addition of 40 new casks. Following the latest modernisation programme, the aim is for the Brewhouse to produce around 800 litres of real ales every week. For the first time, all of its ales will be produced on site.
Key responsibilities for Lukasz in his new role will involve checking the accuracy, timing and ingredients for brewing batches, monitoring and scheduling microbrewery equipment maintenance and ensuring production orders are completed on time.
“When I saw the job advertised on the Wild Boar Inn’s website, I thought it was just the right job for me,” explains Lukasz. “I’ve always been fascinated by the brewing process and producing real ales on a larger scale. I’m really looking forward to fine tuning our production and seeing guests enjoy more of our own home-produced beers.”
Originally from Poland and with a degree in mechanics and machining, Lukasz’ previous roles have been as factory manager at the Windermere Ice Cream Co Ltd and a food and beverage assistant at two other local hotels. He has also attained qualifications in Cumbria along the way, including Food Hygiene, Safety in Manufacturing and HACCP for Manufacturing, all at Level 3.
Adam Bujok from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues, who manages the Wild Boar Inn, adds: “Lukasz has a passion for brewing high quality ales and his qualifications and experience as a brewer make him an ideal fit for his new role. It’s an exciting time for the Brewhouse as we bring all of our production in-house and seek to increase our output. The capability to produce our own real ales adds something special for our staying guests, local beer enthusiasts and diners – especially as part of our alternative afternoon tea experience.”
For further information about English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues and to find out more about available jobs, visit https://englishlakes.co.uk/jobs/