Arranged through our close links with the Brewers’ Company, one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London, the Brewers’ Lecture reinforces links with the School dating back to its fou​ndation in 1597 by brewer Richard Platt.

This year we were delighted to welcome Master Brewer, Simon Theakston a direct descendent of Robert Theakston who founded the Theakston Brewery in 1827, to deliver the lecture at Aldenham. Simon spoke passionately about his career in brewing where he started as a drayman in his teens and worked his way to the top of this diverse business. He explained that many of the opportunities that came his way are still available to anyone who is thinking of a career in this industry which he would strongly encourage. Simon is particularly proud of his close involvement in establishing the initial sponsorship of the Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, now the biggest of its kind in the world.

Following a lively Q & A session, everyone moved to the Sixth Form Common Room to sample the beers, always a popular part of the evening. The merits of three bottled beers: Light Foot, XB and Old Peculier - ‘possibly one of the country’s most well-known and loved ales’,  and a casket beer were discussed.