Jennings Brewery was founded in 1828 by John Jennings Snr, the son of a maltster, in Cockermouth, Cumbria. One of England's oldest family breweries, it built a strong regional reputation over nearly two centuries by supplying traditional cask ales to pubs across Cumbria and the Lake District. In 2005 the brewery was acquired by Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries, and later came under the ownership of Carlsberg Marston's Brewing Company, which closed the Cockermouth site in October 2022. Following its closure, the historic brewery was subsequently acquired by two local business owners and entrepreneurs, with plans to return to brewing. Jennings has historically focused on the British cask ale tradition, producing traditional ales that became staples across the north of England. Its portfolio is closely associated with Cumbrian pub culture, and the brewery's beers reflect a deep-rooted regional identity. One of its most celebrated beers is Sneck Lifter, first brewed in 1990 — the name referencing a northern dialect word for a door latch — which became one of the most revered ales in the Jennings range. Before its closure, Jennings Brewery offered guided brewery tours that earned strong visitor reviews, with guests praising the informative and entertaining experience. With new local ownership now in place, the brewery is working towards resuming production and continuing its nearly 200-year legacy in the heart of the Lake District.