Lou & Linda Hogg run the Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket. The pub is owned by a co-operative of more than one hundred local people and other supporters.

The co-operative is dedicated to maintaining the essential character of the pub. The Old Crown serves the very best real ales all brewed by the Hesket Newmarket Brewery which stands at the rear of Pub.

The Old Crown is a public house in the small village of Hesket Newmarket, situated just inside the northern edge of the Lake District National Park, nestling in the Caldbeck fells. It is the only public house in the village.

On 25 February 2004 HRH The Prince of Wales paid a visit to The Old Crown. He also took in the rest of the village, the village shop and, of course, the Brewery. It was a gloriously sunny but bitterly cold day as the helicopter swept in overhead.

Prince Charles had heard about our little venture from The Pub is the Hub, an organisation he launched in 2001 which promotes the importance of pubs in rural communities. The Pub is the Hub have compiled a booklet entitled Saving your Village Pub as a guide to other villages wanting to acquire ownership of their pub. The Old Crown is one of the two case studies in the booklet, which was launched by Prince Charles during his visit. HRH made a speech in which he expressed his admiration and delight at what we had all achieved together. He then unveiled a plaque before being whisked away in a shiny black Mercedes. Whilst in the - very crowded - pub, Prince Charles was treated (he does not carry any cash!) to a glass of Doris 90th, which judging from the photos went down very well.

Brewery Tours

Brewery Tours are available by appointment (minimum 8 persons). The tour includes a meal and the tour and costs £6 or £10 depending on the meal required.

How To Find Us

By car from the M6

By car from Carlisle

By car from Wigton

By foot from anywhere