Black Sheep Brewery Black Sheep Brewery The Black Sheep Brewery is a brewery in Masham in the Borough of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, England. The Black Sheep Brewery was established by Paul Theakston in 1991. Following a successful launch as a Business Expansion Scheme, it became a public limited company (plc) in 1992. Theakston had been managing director of Theakston Brewery, also in Masham, since 1968. He began at the age of 23, taking over from his father, Frank. Matthew Brown bought Theakston Brewery following disagreements between members of the family and other shareholders. In 1987 Scottish & Newcastle succeeded Brown as owner.
Black Sheep Brewery at the Bruce Arms by its Landlord, David Young. The brewery produces a range of well-hopped bitters, to distinguish itself from Theakston's range of fruity and yeasty beers. The brewery quickly became successful, and now produces over 75,000 barrels a year. The brewery has capitalised on its popularity by converting unused parts of the original maltings into a visitors centre from which tours of the brewery are conducted. In 1996, it served as host to an episode of the "Two Fat Ladies" cooking programme which was broadcast the following year. For the first 15 years it paid its shareholders, including