TWO family businesses have come together to give people the chance to go back to school - so they can learn how to brew their own craft beer.

Little Black Dog Beer Company, based at Carlton Towers, near Selby, and Home Brew Online Ltd of Elvington, near York, have combined forces to run and promote ‘brew schools’.

These involve spending a day at the brewery learning the art of creating all-grain beers, with the sessions being administered and promoted through Home Brew Online’s website - which has also involved providing information about the schools to the latter’s existing customer base.

Jordan Kot, who is one of the brewers at Little Black Dog with his father Nigel, said the first brew school was held there a few months ago, and the link-up with Home Brew Online began in the middle of last month.

He said there had been very good feedback from the brew schools. Someone from the Derby area had attended the last event, and three people from London were due to come to the next one this Saturday.

He said: “We really enjoy it and it’s great to see that passion in other people’s faces when they are brewing or learning to brew - it’s rewarding in itself.”

Lisa Harbisher, of Home Brew Online, said: “It’s mutually beneficial. We are family businesses and it’s just nice to help each other.

“The craft brewing scene is so diverse and interesting at the moment that it’s nice people can go somewhere and learn more about it.

“Most breweries just do a tour. I have always thought you are a bit detached from the process, but here you are getting involved.”

The days last from about 10am to 5pm. They cost £100, for which enthusiasts are given theory and literature about brewing and the chance to practise their skills, plus lunch.

Attendees can also take away six bottles of beer, either the brewery’s own products, which are available straight away, or beer they have brewed themselves, though in that case they have to wait about a month for it to be ready.