An award-winning brewery which has been crafting ales in the heart of Northampton since 1994 has handed over the keys to new owners.
Bruce and Mandy Littler announced in February they were putting Frog Island Brewery up for sale, and looking to move out of the brewing industry.
And they have now sold the business, based in The Maltings, St James, to husband and wife Paul Burchell and Zoe Cushnie, and Zoe’s brother Philip Cushnie.
The brewery’s achievements over the years include the Champion Beer of Britain title, and winning the best drink in Northamptonshire prize at the Holdenby Food Show in 2009.
Mr Littler said: “It has been fantastic. There have been a lot of high points - winning awards, going to the beer festivals we’ve been to and meeting some fantastic people in the industry.
“I will miss it, but in a good way.
“I’m not really emotional at the moment, but I might be on the last day. I’m here until May 31, and then I will be offering on and off-site training after that.”
The new owners all live in Northampton and have a long history in the pub trade, previously running The Racehorse in Northampton, The Fox and Hounds in Great Brington and the Bold Dragoon in Weston Favell.
They are planning to keep the traditions of the brewery alive, as well as creating new brews based on famous faces from Northampton.
Mr Burchell said: “I’ve run pubs since coming to Northampton in 1991. I’ve always had a real ale background, right from when CAMRA first started.
“We saw the advert and thought we would have a look. It is going to be very much a family affair.
“Our aim is to continue Bruce’s legacy, so we will be brewing the same beers. It’s nice to have a traditional building as well.”
Mrs Cushnie said: “My great uncle is Sir Malcolm Arnold, so I think we will do a brew for the Malcolm Arnold Festival in October.
“I’m glad we are in the Enterprise Zone as well, as the rates are very preferable.”