Raising a glass to pub re-opening its doors

A historic Mansfield pub is to re-open its doors on Friday with designs on being known for the quality of its real ale.

The Brown Cow, a popular former Mansfield Brewery pub on Ratcliffe Gate, closed earlier this year.

But it was purchased by Leicestershire brewery Everards in July as part of their Project William scheme, which sees them link up with tenant microbreweries - in this case Derbyshire-based RAW Brewing Company.

The scheme has led to the rejuvenation of 28 pubs in six years, with 13 of them having gone on to win CAMRA Pub of the Year Awards.

A total of £300,000 has been invested, with refurbishment work having started in September.

The Brown Cow will feature a range of Everards and RAW cask and keg ales, plus those of other local brewers, as well as a full range of world beers in a bottle.

Part of the pub used to be the cottage home of poet, playwright and publisher Robert Dodsley (1701-1764), and portraits and original swing signs featuring him will be used to acknowledge him.

“Real ale lovers will enjoy it because we will have 12 handpumps and focus on serving good quality craft beers,” said David Hemstock, founder of RAW Brewing.

Mansfield and Ashfield CAMRA’s pubs officer Paul Edwards added: “It’s a step forward for the Mansfield drinking community. Both companies having a reputation for producing fine beers.”

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