And here's where we're brewing your beer, your Royal Highness! 

The Duchess of Cornwall enjoys a tour - and a tipple - at Arkell's Brewery to celebrate their 175th anniversary

Swindon's oldest family firm, Arkell's Brewery, was by royal appointment today with an official visit by The Duchess of Cornwall.

Her Royal Highness was invited to take a tour of the brewery to mark the start of their 175th anniversary year since John Arkell first brewed beer on the site in 1843.

 

During her stay, The Duchess was shown around by Chairman James Arkell, Managing Director George Arkell and Head Brewer Alex Arkell, the fourth generation of the Arkell's family to run the brewery and its 90 pubs.

 

To celebrate the occasion, a new Duchess ale has been brewed, with Camilla herself starting the process today when 'swinging the Valentine' - one of very few still working in the country - that controls the flow of the beer through the mash tun.

 

The Duchess continued by signing Alex Arkell's brewers' log before enjoying a taste herself!

The visit concluded with more meeting & greeting of staff and dignatories before Her Royal Highness officially opened the Brewery's new vintners building & heritage centre which showcases Arkell's 175 years of history.