Get To Know Lesley from Langham’s
Say hi to Lesley from Langham’s, the wonderful co-owner of the brewery 🙂
Many of you will know lovely Lesley, as she’s been involved with Langham’s since it’s conception in 2004.
But, did you know she’s half Swedish and has an addiction to… yoga?!
Find out more about her in our recent Q&A:
Q: How did you get involved with Langham Brewery and how long ago was that?
In 2003 I met someone who brewed beer in a garage. We became partners and when he and his friend decided to start a brewery, they asked me to include my skill-set in the mix. They had the ability to brew the beer and keep the plant operating smoothly and with my background and experience – in law, chartered accountancy and business (please don’t fall asleep!) – I’ve happily been living Langham Brewery since it’s conception in 2004, ‘joining the dots’.
Q: What do you do for the brewery?
No two days are ever the same, which is partly why I love my role here at Langhams. One day I’ll be working on marketing, PR and planning new initiatives. The next I’ll be working my way through current regulations which may impact on the business. I oversee the accounts, payroll, trade plans and I’m 100% ‘there for’ our amazing team of dedicated staff. I like to support all the team members across all aspects of the business – from helping to optimise purchasing, steering and enabling business development, to the design of the next pump clip and involving them in marketing campaign plans. Community is really important to us and I enjoy working with our partners in the local areas of Haslemere, Petersfield, Petworth and beyond, as well as the South Downs National Park Authority.
Q: Who do you look up to and why? This could be a brewer, a musician, an entrepreneur, your partner…
The Reverend Joseph Rayner Stephens led a revolt consisting of millworkers rioting about the conditions of the work and pay in Liverpool in the early 19th century. He was a bread and blood type of person and was put in prison for his beliefs. He was my great great great grandfather. I wish I had his bravery to speak out against causes I believe in; I admire anyone who has the courage to stand up against injustice & unfairness.
Q: Please tell us one thing not many people know about you.
I’m half Swedish and addicted to yoga. Fun fact: my godmother’s sister took the crown prince of Sweden to court in an infamous case in the 1960s over an unpaid debt… and she won.
Q: Have you ever tried home brewing?
No. I prefer to consume! Have you tried my cooking?!
Q: What is the one thing you love most in your life (other than working with beer!)?
I love my children more than anything. I can’t claim any ownership over how fabulous they are, but I admire and love them to pieces.
Q: Which is your favourite Langham beer and why?
My favourite Langham Beer is Rocket Juice. It is so delicious and fruity – one of your 5 a day. I can’t get enough! I must stop selling this beer to everyone and ignoring our other brews – which are all very wonderful, I hasten to add.
Q: Any unusual hobbies?
Not really, but I enjoy the company of my friends, I love yoga, cinema, theatre, reading, walking as often as possible, running.. as well as eating & drinking… good beer, wine… but truth be told, can’t manage pints.. a bit of a lightweight!
Q: What’s been the most memorable time of your career to date?
When we won the Overall Cask Ale Championship in the SIBA competitions in 2017 with our Triple XXX. We were up against some really strong competition. I’m so passionate about the brewery and proud and pleased with all aspects of what we achieve; the beer we produce, the people we work with, the fabulous brewery team and the customers who love and support us. So winning the Overall Cask Ale Championship was the icing on the cake – a wonderful validation of what we do here at Langham.
Q: Are there any future brewery plans you can share with us?
We’re really excited to be linking up with the University of Surrey to put together a meaningful, measurable plan to ensure the business becomes as sustainable as possible going forwards.
Describe your life’s journey so far, in 5 words.
Glass overflowing, loving life, family/friends. Apologies for cheating & using 6 words!
Our Tap and Shop opening times:
• 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Wednesday •
• 10am to 7.30pm Thursday & Friday •
• 10am to 5pm Saturday •
☎️ 01798 860861⠀⠀
[email protected]
Contact Us
Why not make a pitstop at our Brewery Taproom as part of your enjoyment of the South Downs National Park?