Moorhouse’s Brewery is one of Lancashire’s most enduring independent breweries, with a heritage dating back to 1865, when it was founded by William Moorhouse in Burnley, Lancashire, UK. Originally established as a producer of mineral waters and low-alcohol 'hop bitters,' the business evolved over time into a respected name in British cask ale production.
Today, Moorhouse’s stands as a brewery that blends deep regional history, strong local identity, and a distinctive connection to one of England’s most famous historical legends, the Pendle Witches.
Origins: From Mineral Waters to Cask Ale
When Moorhouse’s was founded in the mid-19th century, its production focused on mineral waters and lightly alcoholic hop bitters, reflecting the drinking preferences and industrial realities of Victorian England.
It was not until 1978 that the brewery began producing cask ales, marking a significant turning point in its development. This shift aligned Moorhouse’s more closely with the growing revival of traditional real ale culture in Britain, helping secure its place within the modern cask brewing movement.
Since then, the brewery has built a reputation for consistent, characterful ales rooted in northern brewing tradition.
Location: Burnley, Lancashire
Moorhouse’s is based in Burnley, a historic mill town in Lancashire, in the North West of England. The region is strongly associated with industrial heritage, working-class culture, and a long-standing pub tradition.
Lancashire’s brewing identity is shaped by:
- Rich water sources ideal for brewing
- A strong tradition of bitter and dark ales
- Deep-rooted pub culture across towns and rural villages
Burnley itself provides a fitting home for a brewery that values both tradition and local storytelling, anchoring Moorhouse’s firmly within the cultural landscape of the North.
The Pendle Witches: History and Legend
One of the defining features of Moorhouse’s identity is its longstanding connection to the Pendle Witches, a group of individuals accused in one of the most famous witch trials in English history.
The Pendle Witch Trials of 1612 are among the best-documented witch trials of the 17th century. The accused—twelve people in total—lived in the area around Pendle Hill, Lancashire, and were charged with the alleged murder of ten individuals through witchcraft.
Key historical details include:
- The trials took place at Lancaster Assizes (18–19 August 1612)
- One accused was tried separately at York Assizes (27 July 1612)
- One died in prison before trial
- Of the eleven who stood trial, ten were found guilty and executed by hanging
- One was acquitted
The events have become deeply embedded in English folklore, blending history, superstition, and cultural memory.
Brewery Identity and Modern Portfolio
Today, Moorhouse’s continues to operate as an independent brewery with a strong regional presence. It runs several tied pubs, including The Pendle Witch in Atherton, reinforcing its connection to local heritage and storytelling.
The brewery’s production includes:
- Five permanent cask ales
- Twelve seasonal ales
- A range of bottled and speciality beers
This balance of core range and seasonal experimentation allows Moorhouse’s to maintain both consistency and variety throughout the year.
A Modern Campaign: The Pendle Witches Legacy
In recent years, Moorhouse’s has also engaged directly with its historical inspiration by supporting a campaign calling for the pardon of the Pendle Witches, marking the 400th anniversary of their execution.
This initiative reflects a broader trend in British brewing where breweries draw on local history not just for branding, but also for cultural reflection and reinterpretation.
For Moorhouse’s, the Pendle story is not just marketing, it is part of its identity as a Lancashire brewery embedded in the myths and memories of its landscape.
Pendle Witches’ Brew: The Flagship Ale
Even for those less interested in historical campaigns, Moorhouse’s offers a flagship beer that has become closely associated with the brewery: Pendle Witches’ Brew.
Style and Strength
- ABV: 5.1%
- Style: Chestnut-coloured sweet malt ale
Tasting Profile
Pendle Witches’ Brew is known for its rich and characterful profile. It delivers layers of flavour that include:
- Raisin and dried fruit sweetness
- Nutty malt depth
- Subtle red wine-like richness
- Mulled winter citrus notes
- A gentle bitterness on the finish
The result is a complex, warming ale with a smooth mouthfeel and a small, creamy head that enhances its drinkability.
Despite its thematic ties to Halloween and folklore, it is a beer enjoyed year-round for its balance of sweetness, depth, and gentle strength.
Brewing Identity: Tradition Meets Storytelling
Moorhouse’s stands out not only for its beers, but also for the way it integrates storytelling into its brewing identity. Few breweries so closely align their brand with a specific regional legend, and this connection gives its portfolio a distinctive sense of place.
At the same time, its brewing philosophy remains firmly rooted in tradition:
- Cask-led production
- Emphasis on malt-driven flavour
- Seasonal variation within a stable core range
This combination of heritage brewing and narrative identity has helped Moorhouse’s remain relevant in a competitive modern craft and cask ale market.
Final Thoughts
From its origins in 1865 Burnley to its modern identity as a storyteller of Lancashire folklore, Moorhouse’s Brewery represents a unique blend of history, myth, and brewing tradition.
Its connection to the Pendle Witches gives its beers a distinctive cultural resonance, while its range of cask ales, especially Pendle Witches’ Brew, demonstrates a commitment to flavour, balance, and drinkability.
Rooted in Lancashire soil and shaped by both industry and legend, Moorhouse’s continues to stand as a proud example of how British breweries can preserve heritage while evolving for contemporary drinkers.
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