This hidden gem in Maghull has been emerging as a place to watch over the last few years - and it has an interesting history.
Maghull’s Neptune Brewery, which was named the number one in last year’s annual RateBeer Best Awards, has gone from strength to strength since opening in 2015. So successful that the team launched a taproom in 2019 after being encouraged by customers who wanted their beer straight from the source.
The team at Neptune Brewery, which includes Julie and Les O’Grady as well as business partner and old friend Geoff, launched the business back in 2015 after deciding a change was needed. Julie said: “Les, my husband who is not only co-owner but head brewer, ran an aquatics business prior to starting the brewery. I worked in the NHS for 21 years.
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“We both felt it was time for a change and we both enjoyed drinking beer, and were home brewers previously. We had friends and peers in the industry who also spurred us on to open a brewery, which has increased in volume organically year on year.
“The taproom opened in 2019 after we’d had lots of enquiries by customers if they could drink our beers at the source, and in Maghull as there was no craft beer available, so the taproom was born”.
The brewery was named after Les’ aquatics company, Neptune Aquatics, which he ran for 25 years. The team also gives their beers names inspired by sea life, the ocean and even mythological creatures.
Neptune Brewery has a core range of six beers including pales, stouts and bitters - Mosaic, Ezili, Wooden Ships, Abyss, Forecast and Shifting Sands, which regularly sell out. It has also recently seen an upturn in a few other beers that were brewed such as the hazy pale Sea of Dreams and On the Bounty, a chocolate and coconut stout.
The business has needed to adapt significantly since the pandemic wreaked havoc on the hospitality industry. During the first lockdown, the brewery launched a successful crowdfunding campaign where fans could purchase bar tabs to redeem against takeaway beers or drinks once the venue reopens.
According to Julie, the brewery has been going strong since coming out the other side of the pandemic. She added: "Our sales have increased and we are brewing more beer for draught and can, which is wonderful, but we never take anything for granted and always appreciate the custom we get.”
Most recently, the brewery has teamed up with Michelin star restaurant Moor Hall in Aughton to brew their own pale ale. The collaboration resulted in Moor Hall Pale Ale, a beer described as being “soft and juicy on the palate, with vibrant flavours of blueberry and mango and a refreshing citrus hit”.
Julie added: “The Moor Hall collaboration began from a general conversation about their support of local and independent businesses, and how Neptune beer could fit into that ethos. We’re delighted to work with a fabulous local establishment who are as committed as we are to giving customers both a quality product and memorable experience.”
When the Neptune Brewery x Moor Hall collaboration was first announced back in May, Julie said: “For too long, beer has played second fiddle in terms of how it is perceived in restaurants, with much focus on the provenance of the ingredients on the plate, but not the liquid in the glass. Beer is a delicious and diverse product, that pairs beautifully with so many dishes, and can rival any wine in terms of its quality.
“It’s so great to partner with Moor Hall, who have always championed beer’s status on their menus, and we’re delighted to work with a fabulous local establishment who are as committed as we are to giving customers both a quality product and memorable experience.”
Now the team at Neptune Brewery are looking towards a possible expansion. Julie said: “We are currently looking at expansion of the brewery due to demand. This would mean us leaving our current home, but the move would still be in the local radius of Maghull.”
Neptune Brewery also offers a web store which allows customers across the country to purchase their stock and provides regular customers to get their hands on their favourite beers.
It also offers delivery within three days, as well as free local delivery for L postcodes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The taproom is currently open on Saturdays from 1pm - 9pm. Visitors can take their pick of eight rotating beers on tap, plus a selection of cans, gin, wine and snacks. Can take out is also available. The taproom is dog-friendly and children are welcome until 5pm.
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