Nethergate Brewery & Distillery - Long Melford

Our home at Rodbridge Corner is where the magic happens. Since moving to this 2-acre site in 2017, we’ve built a state-of-the-art facility that remains "quietly bold" in its commitment to quality. Whether you're here to smell the malt in the air or settle in for a session in our dog-friendly taproom and beer garden, you're at the very heart of the Nethergate family.

Get Directions 01787 377 087

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Monday 12 - 6pm

Tuesday 12 - 6pm

Wednesday 12 - 8pm

Thursday 12 - 8pm

Friday 12 - 8pm

Saturday 12 - 8pm

Sunday 12 - 6pm

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Monday Closed

Tuesday Closed

Wednesday 11am - 4pm

Thursday 11am - 4pm

Friday 11am - 6pm

Saturday 11am - 4pm

Sunday Closed

A Grain-to-Glass Story (From Our Own Well)

At Nethergate, every pint starts beneath our feet. We use pure water drawn from our very own well in the Stour Valley for every single beer and spirit in our range. It is a literal connection to the Suffolk landscape that has defined us since 1986. Under the watchful eye of Head Brewer Ian Carson, we blend this local essence with the finest ingredients and four decades of expertise to ensure every drop. From our legendary Old Growler to our crisp craft lagers is "quietly bold" and full of character.

Meet Bonnie & Clyde

In 2020, we embarked on a thrilling new chapter with the arrival of two unique copper stills, affectionately known as Bonnie & Clyde. This expansion into distilling led to the birth of Melford’s Gin in 2021, a dry Suffolk spirit that adds a delightful twist to our portfolio. To keep it unmistakably "Nethergate," we even use local hops as a botanical, resulting in a fresh, complex gin with a smooth juniper and citrus finish.

Step Into the Brewhouse

Our brewery and distillery tours offer an educational and social look at our award-winning "grain to glass" process. You’ll follow the journey through our facility, seeing the mash tuns and fermenters in action before finishing with a guided tasting session in the taproom. It is your chance to see why our Long Melford site has become a "cradle of creativity" and a beacon for beer enthusiasts across the region.

A Space for Everyone

Our taproom and brewery shop are designed with a "friendly and rustic" atmosphere that welcomes everyone, from lifelong fans to families and their well-behaved dogs. We are proud to offer an inclusive experience, featuring a wide range of beverages to suit all tastes, including our multi-award-winning low-alcohol Venture Point Five. Whether you're here for a tasting flight or a quiet pint in the beer garden, you're officially part of the family.

Food Trucks

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FAQs

Yes, we’re open on weekends, and typically on most bank holidays too – but it's always best to check in advance during holiday periods.

Yes, we do offer guided tours of our brewery. They include tastings of our beers and gins, and a behind-the-scenes look at how we brew and distil. Tour dates and booking info are available on our website.

Our tours typically last around 60–90 minutes, depending on group size and questions.

Yes, the taproom sells Nethergate products even when the shop is closed.

Our shop stocks the full range of Nethergate beers, Melford’s Gin, merchandise, gift packs, and seasonal specials.

We serve bar snacks, and you’re welcome to order takeaway to enjoy here. We also host food trucks most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – their availability is shown elsewhere on this page.

We run regular events throughout the year including live music, quiz nights, food & drink pairings, and seasonal festivals. Keep an eye on our events page or follow us on social media for updates.

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome both inside and outside.

Yes, we have a lovely outdoor seating area perfect for enjoying drinks in the sunshine.

Yes, there is parking available on-site, along with overflow parking around the back of the brewery.

Yes, our brewery and taproom are wheelchair accessible.

Children are welcome under adult supervision. Please note that only those over 18 can consume alcohol.

Yes, local buses serve Long Melford regularly. The closest bus stops are just a short walk from the brewery.

Yes, cyclists are welcome and we have areas where bikes can be safely secured.

A Landmark for Your Suffolk Adventure

Located at Rodbridge Corner on our spacious 10-acre site , we are perfectly positioned as a refreshing stop-off for anyone exploring the Stour Valley. We are just a short distance from the majestic Melford Hall and the historic Kentwell Hall, making the brewery an ideal destination after a day of exploring Long Melford’s heritage. Whether you are heading in from Sudbury, Essex, or even further afield, our taproom offers a "quietly bold" haven to rest your legs and enjoy a proper Suffolk welcome.

Rooted in Community & Sustainability

We believe that a brewery should give back to the land and the people that sustain it.

Eco-Actions: We are committed to protecting our corner of Suffolk through the use of solar panels and the local reuse of our spent grain.
Brewery Socials: Our event calendar is a hub for the community, featuring live music, quiz nights and seasonal events.
Welcoming to All: We pride ourselves on being a family-friendly venue where well-behaved dogs are always considered part of the family.
Members-Only Perks: With over 1100 active members, our "Join the Family" program offers exclusive invites to launch parties and special tasting evenings.