Join us for a behind-the-scenes brewery tour at Chelmsford Brewing Company, where great beer, clever brewing methods and good conversation come together in the heart of Great Baddow, Chelmsford, Essex.
The Journey started in 2014 with a series of pilot batches that quickly got out of hand. Many kegs were filled and bottles enjoyed. The wheels were set in motion for a brewery in 2016 and a site was identified. It had to be Brewery Fields, the site of the original brewery in Great Baddow in the 1800s. We officially got the keys on the 4th September 2017 and we have been brewing there ever since.
Whether you’re a passionate beer enthusiast, curious about the brewing process, searching for a unique gift experience, or simply looking for something different to do in Essex, our brewery tours offer an enjoyable and informative look into the world of independent craft brewing.
Your experience begins in the taproom, where you can relax with a few pints and soak up the atmosphere before heading behind the scenes. From traditional cask ales to modern hop-forward styles, it’s the perfect opportunity to taste the beers and begin understanding the care and creativity behind every pint.
You’ll then be welcomed by Hans, founder and head brewer, who will guide you through the story of Chelmsford Brewing Company and explain how the brewery has evolved since first brewing in 2016. More than just a tour, this is a chance to hear directly from the brewer about the challenges, innovations and decisions involved in building an independent brewery from the ground up.
Despite the brewery’s compact size, visitors are often surprised by how much can be achieved through smart design and inventive thinking. You’ll discover how our brewing setup has been carefully developed to produce beer efficiently, sustainably and to consistently high standards without compromising quality.
One of the most fascinating parts of the tour is learning how we maximise our 700-litre brewhouse by stacking brews across consecutive days to fill a 2,000-litre fermentation tank. It’s an innovative approach that allows us to make the most of available space, reduce yeast usage and improve efficiency, while maintaining the character and quality expected from independent brewing.
Sustainability also plays a major role in how we operate. During the tour, Hans will explain how our dual-chiller system rapidly cools beer while recycling hot water directly back into future brews. By recovering heat and reducing waste, this process helps improve energy efficiency and demonstrates how small breweries can adopt smarter, more sustainable practices.
As you move further into the brewery itself, you’ll see the fermentation tanks up close and gain a better understanding of what happens after the brewing stage. Learn how our beers are fermented, conditioned and prepared before reaching the bar. Depending on brewing schedules, you may even experience the unmistakable aromas produced during dry-hopping, one of the most exciting stages in creating modern beer styles.
You’ll also discover how our beers are cold-conditioned, matured and prepared for cask before being enjoyed in our taproom or served in pubs and venues across Essex. It’s a process that combines science, patience and experience – something often hidden behind the finished pint.
Throughout the brewery tour there’s plenty of opportunity to ask questions, chat beer and enjoy informal discussion. No question is too simple or too technical. Whether you want to know more about ingredients, yeast, hops, fermentation or starting your own brewery, we encourage conversation and curiosity.
Our brewery tours also make ideal gifts for birthdays, Christmas, Father’s Day, beer lovers or anyone looking for a unique experience in Chelmsford and Essex.
When tickets become available, the ‘Tasting & Tour Tickets’ button below will be shown and you can message us to book and pay.
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into producing independent beer — from grain to glass — this is your chance to discover the process, meet the brewer and experience Chelmsford Brewing Company from a completely different perspective.
Book your brewery tour and experience real brewing behind the scenes.