You may wonder why we have a ‘barrel van; on the front of our shop and Beer Hall at Everards Meadows. It is actually a replica of a unique and historic Everards vehicle!
The Old Original ‘barrel van’ holds a dear place in our hearts here at Everards.
In 2010, The van was discovered in an old chicken shed where it seems it has been sitting for many years.
Originally purchased in 1981, after a contact at a local business Bernard Wheatcroft Limited made Everards aware of its availability. The barrel van is built upon a 1961 Morris J.B. Chassis and was proudly used by Everards at pub events and brewery open days for many a year, photos of which Everards treasure today.
Unsure of whether the van would ever run again and in need of total restoration inside and out, Everards contacted the team at the National Brewery Museum in December 2011 to see if they could help.
The museum celebrated the social history of the development of brewing - the real-life experiences and stories of the people who helped to build Burton's world-renowned brewing reputation.
The museum had a team of volunteers who were very keen to get to work on the van and worked hard on restoring it back to its former glory. The project, completed in 2016, took over 5 years with the volunteers working on it once a week, every week.
They did Everards proud as not only did they restore the interior and exterior, the van can also be driven once again!
“Looking at the old pictures of the van and looking at it today you would think that it had never been used - the restoration is that immaculate! To see the passion and interest every single volunteer showed when they talked about the vehicle and when they unveiled the finished piece to us was truly special. They had even scrubbed the underneath of the van which they were keen for us to see! That much care and attention to detail is amazing to see from a group of volunteers. We will always be grateful for their efforts which have secured the future of this unique vehicle.” said Stephen Gould, from Everards.
From tracking down people who could complete the specialist ‘wooden effect’ paintwork to finding the unusual tyres needed, all involved in this project have been truly dedicated and proud to restore this van back to its original form.
Until 2022 the Barrel Van was on display at the National Brewery Museum but following its closure the van was brought home to our garage at Everards Meadows.
You’ve perhaps had a photo in the replica but now you can look out for the real thing which will be displayed from time to time around Everards Meadows!
In honour of the barrel van and its years touring local carnivals and events, bringing joy to all, we have a special treat for shoppers at our new shop at Everards Meadows. Visitors can now get behind the wheel in our own version and take a photo in this unique van. The van goes right through the shop window into the heart of the shop where at the back you will find a pick and mix section where you can choose and take home your favourite beers!
So next time you visit the Evearrds shop, get behind the wheel of our barrel van and take a photo – remember to tag us when you share it #everardsbarrelvan and you might make it up on our wall of fame.
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