Our History & Beers

Big Lamp Brewery is a renowned brewery located in Newcastle upon Tyne. Established in December 1982, it has a rich history and offers a variety of unique beers.

Founding and Early Years

Established: December 1982 by Tom and Terry Hanson. Original Location: Summerhill Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, in a former undertaker's premises. Initial Setup: Started with a self-built 5-barrel plant.

Expansion and Relocation

1996 Move: Relocated to a renovated Victorian water pumping station on Grange Road, Newburn. New Facilities: Included a pub The Keelman and a 10-barrel plant.

Current Operations

Big Lamp Brewery was purchased by Valiant Pub Company in December 2024 as part of the Keelman pub and lodge purchase.

Big Lamp Brewery has a rich history and offers a variety of unique beers that cater to different tastes. The brewery continues to be an important part of Newcastle's brewing heritage.

Prince Bishop Ale

Type: Blonde / Golden Ale
ABV: 4.8%

Description
A well-balanced, fruity, light-coloured beer. It has a strong bitterness with a spicy, dry
finish. This ale was first brewed for the 1987 Durham Beer Festival. 

Awards
Prince Bishop Ale has won awards at the Great British Beer Festival, including recognition in 2019

Sunny Daze

Type: Pale Ale - English
ABV: 3.6%

Description
A very light-coloured beer, well-hopped with Czechoslovakian Styrian Goldings. It is
ideal for summer sessions.

Keelman Brown

Type: Brown Ale - English
ABV: 5.7%

Description
A full-bodied ale with a hint of toffee. It was first brewed in June 1997 for a Blaydon
races celebration

Big Lamp Bitter

Type: Bitter - Session / Ordinary
ABV: 3.9%

Description
A characterful hoppy beer with a slightly dry aftertaste. It is brewed with Maris Otter Pale and Crystal malts, and hopped with East Kent Goldings and Fuggles. 

Awards
Big Lamp Bitter has been recognized by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) for its quality

Embers

Type: Winter Warmer
ABV: 5.5%

Description

A strong, dark winter beer with chocolate and roast crystal malt flavours. It is brewed seasonally between November and April.