The Wriggly Monkey Brewery on its plans for petrolheads

The team at Wriggly Monkey Brewery, in Bicester, put on its first winter event to welcome the community to its home at Bicester Heritage.

The brewery, which labels itself as a the creator of ‘beer for petrolheads’, officially opened among the former Second World War buildings in October.

In celebration, and to welcome people in finding their favourite tipple, the brewery hosted Apres Ski with a heated alpine marquee, steak raclette, music and a special appearance from Father Christmas in a classic car.

Founder and head brewer Luke Roberts said: “Apres Ski was a great success.

“It’s really rewarding seeing regulars and so many new faces enjoying the beer and atmosphere together.

“We look forward to welcoming people back to the brewery on Friday for our regular Friday Tap Room openings and our next event in the spring - already in the making.”

The brewery was the brainchild of Mr Roberts, who has a background in mechanical engineering within Formula One, and is a keen car enthusiast.

Brewing had been a hobby for Mr Roberts, but it soon developed into something he hoped to combine with his love of mechanics and classic cars.

He said: “I decided I wanted a change, and a challenge.

“The process of starting the brewery began about two years ago and the whole aim was to brew a beer engineered for petrolheads.”

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The brewery has been named the Wriggly Monkey as a nod to its classic car background, as a key component of a Frazer Nash - one of the founder’s favourite cars.

It has been created in the Motor Transport garage of the former wartime bomber station - thought to be where petrol tankers were held.

Mr Roberts said: “We had the builders in all summer before our launch event in September, then opening in October.

“We have our development brewery where we brew the beer and create recipes to produce and bottle a regular range. Then we have the office side of the premises and the tap room which is open Friday’s for the community from 4pm to 8pm.”

The brewery hopes to create a space for the community to come and experience what Bicester Heritage has to offer, whilst trying out the new brewery.

Its brews include the Full Tilt amber ale, Super Sports very pale ale, and a Luft limited edition ale.

Mr Roberts added: “It has been a great experience since opening. As always there is more we can do, as with any start up, but looking back it is good to appreciate just how far we have come.”

See wrigglymonkeybrewery.com