Our Story & Our Team
- The Cotswold Lion Heritage
- Don Burgess—Head Brewer
- Values & Sustainability
- Meet the People
Cotswold Lion Brewery was founded with a love for traditional British ales and a deep respect for our rural environment. Inspired by the Cotswold Lion sheep that roam our fields, our name is both a tribute to local farming heritage and a promise that every drop of beer connects you to this beautiful region.
From the outset, we knew we wanted to support local agriculture. Growing and malting our own barley ensures a level of quality and traceability that’s hard to match. When paired with our pure well water—water that's on its way to Seven Springs, the Churn River, and then the Thames—the result is a range of beers that truly reflects the flavours of the Cotswolds.
We’re proud to introduce Don Burgess as our Head Brewer—an award-winning expert who’s spent decades perfecting his craft. Don has earned multiple accolades, including “Champion of British Brewing” from CAMRA, and has created brews for major retailers around the world.
Despite his global experience, Don relishes the chance to return to a smaller-scale, eco-friendly operation here at Cotswold Lion Brewery. As he puts it, “A beautiful setting with Cotswold Lion sheep is a far cry from my previous industrial surroundings, and it means I can focus on quality and sustainability rather than just volume.”
At the core of our approach is a commitment to sustainable innovation. We rely on solar power and wood-chip biofuel to heat our buildings on Hartley Farm. Our goal is simple: to preserve and care for the land that provides the ingredients for our beer. By minimising our carbon footprint, we aim to set an example for responsible brewing in the UK.
While Don’s arrival is a highlight, our entire team shares his passion for the Cotswolds. From the barley growers to the brewers and the friendly faces who pour your pint in our taproom, each of us plays a part in bringing you an authentic, flavourful experience.