About Castle Eden Brewery

The Origin of Castle Eden Brewery

The Castle Eden Brewery has been a constant part of the north-east brewing scene since it was founded in 1826.

Founded by John Nimmo and located in County Durham, under the Nimmo family, the brewery grew to an annual capacity of 75,000 barrels with an estate of 125 pubs.

The brewery was acquired by Whitbread PLC in 1963. During the Whitbread period, the brewery saw continued expansion to an annual capacity of 220,000 barrels that included brewing the renowned Mackeson Stout.

In 1998, the brewery went into private ownership and the tradition of brewing Castle Eden Ales continued.

Relocated to Seaham

In 2014, the brewery assets were acquired by new owners and relocated to Seaham to increase the production capacity of the brewery and to meet anticipated demand.

Since 2016, the brewery has focused on providing contract brewing and packaging whilst continuing to offer a range of Castle Eden Ales on draught.

Powder Monkey Group acquired the brewery and business in May 2025.

As well as continuing with contract brewing are producing a number of their other beers on site as well as working on the relaunch of the Castle Eden brand to a wider audience in 2026 for its 200th anniversary.