THE microbrewery at The Wild Boar near Windermere has a new head brewer. 

40-year-old Lukasz Zalewski, from Staveley, will oversee the installation of new equipment and an increase in the production of beers manufactured on-site. 

Lukasz was formerly the head brewer for the Windermere Brewing Co. He will take full charge of operations at the site which produces ales such as Mad Pig, Hogshead 54 and Smoked Porter.

The microbrewery has installed new brewing equipment including a new cask washer and the addition of 40 new casks.

The aim is for the Brewhouse to produce around 800 litres of real ales every week. For the first time, all of its ales will be produced on-site.

Key responsibilities for Lukasz in his new role will involve checking
the accuracy, timing and ingredients for brewing batches, monitoring and
scheduling microbrewery equipment maintenance and ensuring production
orders are completed on time.

Lukasz said: "When I saw the job advertised on the Wild Boar Inn’s website, I thought it was just the right job for me. I’ve always been fascinated by the brewing process and producing real ales on a larger scale. I’m really looking forward to fine-tuning our production and seeing guests enjoy more of our own home-produced beers.”

Originally from Poland and with a degree in mechanics and machining,
Lukasz’ previous roles have been as factory manager at the Windermere
Ice Cream Co Ltd and a food and beverage assistant at two other local
hotels. He has also attained qualifications in Cumbria, including Food Hygiene, Safety in Manufacturing and HACCP for Manufacturing, all at Level 3.

Adam Bujok, from English Lakes Hotels Resorts and Venues, who manages the Wild Boar Inn, said: "Lukasz has a passion for brewing high-quality ales
and his qualifications and experience as a brewer make him an ideal fit
for his new role.

"It’s an exciting time for the Brewhouse as we bring all of our production in-house and seek to increase our output. The capability to produce our own real ales adds something special for our staying guests, local beer enthusiasts and diners - especially as part of our alternative afternoon tea experience.”