Many of you will already know the wonderful Fran, our assistant brewer.

Find out more about Fran via our friendly Q&A, then pop by our Brewery Shop and Taproom to say hello.

Fran Weston is our (very capable) assistant brewer. Fran joined us in 2021, having been head brewer at Ballards Brewery for many years.
Fran has quickly become an invaluable member of our dedicated team. To be honest, we’d be lost without him.

Q: You’ve been a friend of Langham Brewery for many years. What was your route to working with the brewery?
When Ballards closed its doors I moved into a warehouse job, so a complete change from my natural habitat in a brewery. Lockdown hit us and I jumped on my bicycle and headed to the brewery to buy a few beers and that became a new weekly routine. When the job for assistant brewer came up I said ‘yes please’ and here we are.

Q: What does a typical working day at the brewery look like for you?
I like to be up early and we always start the day with an omelette and then crack on with the brew. We brew most days but around that there is plenty for us to get stuck in with including cleaning casks, racking new beer, stock and cellar management and looking after our customers. Being back brewing is the reason I was put on this planet plus I get to see some old friends who I have known and served for many years! Nearly 40 years SHHH!

Q: Who do you look up to and why? This could be a brewer, a musician, an entrepreneur, your partner…
My eldest son he is 6ft 6… only joking.
Many people I have met through my career like Peter Austin (Ballard Brewery consultant, he worked with hundreds of breweries globally), Mike & Carola Brown (owners and founders of Ballards Brewery & SIBA).
My family of course, especially my Dad.

Q: Please tell us one thing not many people know about you.
I am Dyslexic but I see it as an advantage. It makes me a problem solver and I see things a little differently and out of the box.

Q: What are the things/people you love most in your life (other than working with beer!)?
My close family; they are everything, being a scout leader and playing my ukulele.

Q: Can you whistle and/or hold a tune?
You will often hear me singing in the brewery… mostly clean songs!

Q: Which is your favourite Langham Brewery recipe and why?
Arapaho, its just right for me and I love the taste. Dry hopping in the fermentation vessel is always fun as I have never played that game before coming to Langham.

Q: Which brew are you most proud of (doesn’t have to be a Langhams one!)?
Nyewood Gold. After I completed my certificate of brewing competence with SIBA and the brewers guild I put all my new found skills into that brew and won a gold medal.

Q: Are there any Langham brew secrets you can share with us?
I like to keep those close to my heart. My lips are sealed… unless you buy me ten pints and a burger and I will spill the beans.

Q: What does a typical day AWAY from work look like for you?
I like to cook Sue (my wonderful wife) a breakfast and enjoy her company – be it shopping, visiting friends, watching movies or listening to music. We have been together for 40 years and been married for 34. We must be doing something right.

Describe your life’s journey so far, in 5 words.
Family is everything to me!

Our Tap and Shop opening times:
• 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Wednesday •
• 10am to 7.30pm Thursday & Friday •
• 10am to 5pm Saturday •

Tel: 01798 860861⠀⠀
[email protected]
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Why not make a pitstop at our Brewery Taproom as part of your enjoyment of the South Downs National Park?

Meet Rob our newest team member: Rob at Langham Brewery