It is brewing its first batches of newly-named ales available on tap or in bottles – Brancaster Best and Oystercatcher.

Since taking over the leasehold of The Jolly Sailors pub last December, licensee James Nye has concentrated on returning the pub to its former glory with sympathetic restoration.

The pub inherited a brewery, so at the same time James has "resurrected" the Brancaster Brewery which takes its name from Brancaster Staithe, a village steeped in brewing history.

Records show brewing here dates back to Roman times. So great was the demand for barley from this area, reputedly the country's largest malt house was built in Brancaster in 1797, yards from The Jolly Sailors pub, now the brewery tap.

Ironically the malt house was built using bricks salvaged from the nearby Roman fort!

While the malt house no longer stands, Brancaster Brewery is continuing the brewing tradition, producing quality ales from the finest regional produce.

Of the new ales, Brancaster Best is a bottle-conditioned ale brewed using Teddy Maufe's world class Maris Otter barley from Branthill Farm, Wells.

Blended from Pilot hops from Suffolk, Brancaster Best is produced with the finest local ingredients resulting in a refreshing pale ale with a hoppy finish and a touch of citrus.

Oystercatcher takes its name from a local bird also known in the area as Sea Pie.

This bottle-conditioned ale also uses Teddy Maufe's Maris Otter barley and blends three varieties of hops – Pilot, Cascade and Brewer's Gold – to give a beer with good body and a distinctly hoppy flavour.

Both labels are created from original artwork by local north Norfolk water colour artist, Ken Tidd.

Try the new ales on tap at The Jolly Sailors, The White Horse at Brancaster Staithe, The Fox at Willian, or in bottles at Teddy Maufe's Real Ale Shop and The Food Barn, Willian.