Oxford's Hook Norton Brewery has an impressive showpiece, a 25 horse power stationary steam engine which powers the brewery equipment today with the same reliability that it did nearly 80 years ago. Part of Cumbria's Jennings original malting and brewery is now put to use as a village hall. Most of the breweries also open their doors to the public. As with many other family brewers, Ridleys' brewery at Hartford End in Essex still appears much as It must have looked when it was first built in 1842, on the banks of the River Chelmer. Within the hamlet location all the cottages bar three are used by employees.
Raw materials used in brewing are barley, hops, sugar, yeast and water.
With significant developments in technology some changes have taken place in the equipment, although the basic principles will always remain the same. The traditional ingredients that created the brews of old, the secrets of which are passed down from generation to generation, still produce fine beers today. Many IFBB members are consistently honoured with UK and International awards for their ales. Indeed, between them they have won the coveted Champion Beer of Britain title 11 times during the last 17 years. Brewing and pubs are a pivot for British social life and culture.