About us
One group, three crafts
Spirits, beer and pubs across the Welsh Marches — each with its own story, all sharing the same stubborn belief that things made slowly taste better.
Our story
Rooted in the Marches
Hogs Inn Group brings together Henstone Distillery, Monty's Brewery and four pubs across Shropshire and Powys. What unites them is a practical habit — make what you need, make it well, and serve it where people gather.
From the stillhouse at Henstone to the brewhouse at Monty's and the bar tops of our pubs in Oswestry, Middletown and Newtown, everything in the group is done by people who know their craft and their neighbours.
The distillery
Henstone Distillery — est. 2017
Henstone Distillery was established in Oswestry, Shropshire, in 2017 by Chris and Alexandra Toller, together with Shane and Alison Parr. Whisky production began that November with the installation of Hilda, the distillery's 1,000-litre Kothe pot-and-column hybrid still — and after the statutory three years maturing in cask, Henstone released its first single malt whisky.
Alongside whisky, the still turns out award-winning gins — including London Dry, Rosé and Navy strength — vodka and apple brandy. Henstone has been named The Gin Guide's Distillery of the Year three times, in 2020, 2023 and 2026. In 2023 the distillery relocated to a farm on Long Mountain, where the family — now joined by two of Chris and Alex's four children — continues to grow it.
The brewery
Monty's Brewery — est. 2009
Monty's Brewery was founded in January 2009 by husband-and-wife team Russ and Pam Honeyman, on the outskirts of the historic town of Montgomery on the Powys–Shropshire border. In the years since, Monty's has established itself as one of the leading breweries in Wales.
The brewery produces real ales in many styles, with a particular focus on gluten-free beer — its Sunshine pale ale is a fixture on our bars. Monty's celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024, a year that also brought major investment to expand the brewhouse for the future.
The pubs
Four pubs, one welcome
Hogs Inn The Pinewood
Our home pub in Welshpool, Powys — the heart of the group, pouring Henstone spirits and Monty's ales alongside a full kitchen menu.
Hogs Inn The Tankard
A family pub with dining on Festival Square in Oswestry, with outdoor tables in the square and live music through the year.
Hogs Inn The Breiddan
An early-19th-century inn at Middletown on the A458, named after nearby Breidden Hill — a pub, restaurant and banqueting venue.
The Victoria Vaults
A single-room Victorian vaults bar on Broad Street, Newtown, in the Irish and Scots tradition — known for good-value pints of Monty's.
What we stand for
Four things we don't compromise on
Made in small batches
Short runs, hand-finished. If a batch isn't right it doesn't leave the building.
Local by default
Malt, botanicals, meat and veg sourced from the Marches wherever the season allows.
Good employers
Real Living Wage, tips kept by the team, and training in brewing, distilling and the kitchen.
Lighter footprint
Spent grain to neighbouring farms, refillable casks, and a target of net zero by 2035.
By the numbers
2017
Henstone Distillery established
2009
Monty's Brewery founded
4
Pubs across the Marches
3
Gin Guide Distillery of the Year awards