TWO friends who wanted to change their lives have opened a brewery in South Gloucestershire.

Warren Bryant, from Yate, and John Worlock, from Nibley, decided they needed a new  challenge, so set up the Cotswold Spring Brewery in Codrington, near Chipping Sodbury.

It is only a matter of weeks since they produced their first real ale, but already their three beers are being enjoyed in pubs in South Gloucestershire, Bristol, Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Codrington Codger is the flagship bitter, but their brewer, Nick Milo, also produces the lighter Olde English Rose and the strongest beer of the trio, Codrington Royal.

Warren said: "I was working opposite the brewery in Wickwar and was fascinated by what it did.

"When I spoke to John, who's been a friend for years, he jumped at the chance of getting involved.

"We were really lucky to be able to set up on the same site as the Cotswold Spring Water company and all our beer is made with that spring water."

Wednesday 10 August 2005 Observer

Friday 6 January 2006 Gazette

A LOCAL brewery celebrated the festive period by organising an unique "dray" out for its customers.

Staff at Cotswold Spring Brewery surprised local landlords by making their Christmas delivery using a traditional handcrafted dray.

The horse drawn truck had been restored by Yate craftsman, known only as Mike, who worked tirelessly to finish the traditional cart in time for Christmas deliveries to pubs in Chipping Sodbury and Codrington.

Joint owner of the brewery John Worlock told the Gazette that they had been trying to recreate a bit of tradition for Christmas and bring some festive cheer to the local area and landlords. "The dray was pulled by a traditional Welsh cob and certainly caused a stir when we dropped off our ale at the George and Beaufort in Chipping Sodbury who have supported us since we started in June last year," he explained. "It was a great day out."

The horse drawn cart also paid a visit to the Codrington Arms, Codrington, much to the delight of passers by.

Mr Worlock added: "The whole thing was a success and we are grateful to Mike for pulling out all the stops to get the dray finished in time for Christmas."