New brew for city's 100th anniversary celebrations

Lord Mayor Lyn Sharpe helped unveil the new brew which celebrates 100 years of Stoke-on-Trent

A 40-year-old brewery in Stoke-on-Trent is preparing a special ale to help mark to the city's centenary.

Titanic Brewery, based in Burslem, teamed up with the city council to produce the limited edition beer which will be available in bottles, cans and on cask in pubs across the county.

Labels and pump clips for Century Anniversary Ale are set to feature the bottle kilns, which the city's skyline is famous for.

A portion of the proceeds from each sale will go to the Titanic Brewery Foundation, which supports charities across the region.

The celebrations mark 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent obtained city status from King George V in 1925, as the monarch recognised the area's contribution to the pottery industry.

Events and activities planned to mark the anniversary include a parade, tea party, hunt to find 100 stories and a giant oatcake card.

Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent Lyn Sharpe, who was named Campaign for Real Ale's (Camra) national campaigner of the year in 2017, used to work at Titanic Brewery as a tour guide.

"Visitors loved learning about what happens to some simple ingredients in a brewery and how they're turned into a beautiful pint of beer for you to enjoy in your local pub," she said.

Lyn Sharpe was formerly a tour guide at Titanic Brewery

Ms Sharpe added: "Stoke-on-Trent's brewing heritage has played a proud role in our first 100 years, and this ale is a fantastic way to toast our centenary.

"The designs on the pump clips mean that pub goers across the region will learn about our centenary and be able to raise a glass to this historic year."

The initial brewing process took about a day to complete, and involved bringing together the four key ingredients of beer - water, hops, malted barley and yeast.

The yeast then fermented the liquid over several days.

David Glenwright, from Titanic Brewing, said: "We are genuinely honoured to be working with the city council to produce this commemorative ale, celebrating both the city's centenary, and our own 40th anniversary."

He said the centenary was a "momentous occasion" and they were excited to toast this "incredible city and its people".