A BREWERY that creates some award-winning beers could be set for expansion after it was bought by two brothers.

Local businessmen James and Andrew Warburton have taken over the Bowland Brewery, just outside Clitheroe.

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The brothers are no strangers to the pub and beer trade as James runs the James’ Places group of companies that include The Emporium in Clitheroe, Mitton Hall and The Waddington Arms.

Andrew has been the owner and manager of The Lower Buck in Waddington for the past seven years. Buying the Bashall Town brewery is the first stage in the pair’s ambitious expansion plans, which feature a new larger brewing complex.

Andrew Warburton said: “As soon as we knew the brewery may be for sale we knew we had to do the deal.

“Bowland beers have been on our bars for almost as long as Richard Baker has been brewing them. We have always had the utmost respect for Richard Baker, founder of the Bowland Beer Company and the head brewer and genius behind Hen Harrier and Sawley Tempted.

“Creating such a strong brand with great products from scratch is a minor miracle.

“We now want to continue to work with Richard to move the brewery on to the next stage and fulfill its undoubted potential.”

Although the plans for the brewery are still in the embryonic stage, bigger premises incorporating a visitor centre and brewery tap are on the cards.

Andrew added: “We have got some big plans for Bowland but like all big plans they take some time to work out.

“In the short term it is going to be business as usual.

“We are going to concentrate on brewing and delivering great tasting beer to our customers.”