16 September - Great Northern Section: Fresh Hop Expedition - Harvest & Brew Day | Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers Skip to main content Skip to footer

Brew Day, hop picking and talks

Great Northern Section: Fresh Hop Expedition - Harvest & Brew Day

By the Great Northern Section

Wednesday, 16 September 2026

8AM - 5PM

Northern Monk Refectory, The Old Flax Store, Marshall St, Leeds, LS11 9YJ

Join us for a hands-on brew day and hop-picking experience, open to all members and guests, whatever your level of experience.

You’ll spend the morning at Harewood Farm picking fresh hops with the Northern Monk team, with lunch supplied by Harewood Farm, before returning to Northern Monk Refectory to finish a brew using the hops collected that day.

The day will conclude with a complimentary beer and talks from Brian Dickson, Technical Director and co-founder of Northern Monk, and a talk from Ben Saward from Muntons who will give attendees an update on the quality of the 2026 malt crop.

The beer brewed during the event will be showcased at the CIBD Great Northern Section Dinner in Leeds and sold nationally as one of Northern Monk’s special releases.

Schedule

  • 8AM – Meet at Northern Monk Refectory and travel to Harewood Farm together
  • 1:30PM – Return to Northern Monk Refectory
  • 5PM – End

Note

Steel toe-capped shoes suitable for outdoor use must be worn. Please also bring suitable outdoor clothing, keeping changing weather conditions in mind.

The event will be coordinated via WhatsApp, so please provide your mobile number when registering.

Speakers:

  • Brian Dickson – Technical Director and Founder, Northern Monk
  • Ben Saward –  Brewing & NPD Technologist, Muntons

How to get there

  • Leeds train station is approximately a 12-minute walk from the Refectory, with bus services also available.
  • There are only four parking spaces at the Old Flax Store, but on-street parking and nearby multi-storey car parks are available.

Why you should attend:

  • Get an inside look at one of the UK’s best-known independent breweries
  • Brew with fresh hops and contribute to a beer that will be sold nationally
  • Learn new brewing techniques and gain knowledge from experienced brewers

Tickets: 

  • FREE to attend. Includes lunch (sandwich, crisps and soft drinks).
  • There are a maximum of 25 spaces available, so register early to avoid disappointment.
  • When registering please include your dietary requirements and mobile number.

Booking deadline: 9 September at 11:59PM