After 40 years at the helm of Parish brewery, founder Baz Parish has decided to step back from the mash tun and has sold the company to Bruce Cooper and Charlie Gamble.

Established in 1983 in a 400-year-old converted stable block in rural East Leicestershire’s Burrough on the Hill, Parish, it was the first microbrewery in the area and now has a 20-barrel plant.

Its beers, available in cask, box and bottle, include Parish Special Bitter (3.9 per cent ABV), Proper Charlie (3.9 per cent), Burrough Bitter (4.8 per cent) and Baz’s Bonce Blower (12 per cent). 

Cooper said: “We’ve been advocates of Baz and his brewing prowess for many years, so when he mentioned wanting to take a step back, we saw an opportunity to carry on his legacy.

“There is huge mileage and heritage in the products, and we are seeing a renaissance in cask-conditioned beer. In recent times, cask is being better understood and generating a wider following.

“It has no CO₂ added, it’s not pasteurised, not filtered and a wonderful live product until it’s served. In fact, cask beer is the freshest product on the bar. Well looked after, there’s nothing quite like a pint of real ale.

“As people understand it more, there is a genuine appreciation of the process. We’re excited about bringing the Parish brewery into 2023 and have some exciting plans for the future.”

In the coming months, new brews are planned to expand its cask beer portfolio, plus Parish will be rolling out a fresh new look to enhance customer experience and capture the essence of its brews. In addition, a new ecommerce website is in development to enable customers to explore the range and buy online.

As well as the many beer festival awards gathered over the years, in 1994, Parish was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records for brewing, at that time, the world’s strongest beer, Baz’s Super Brew at 23 per cent.

Pictured from left, Bruce Cooper, Baz Parish and Charlie Gamble