A special charity ale has been produced by Titanic Brewery in tribute to its founder. 

John Pazio died recently following a long illness. John revived brewing in Stoke-on-Trent when he launched the Titanic Brewery in 1985. 

Unfortunately the project faltered, before being taken on by Keith and Dave Bott.

The Titanic Founder’s Ale will be available in the brewery’s five pubs in Stoke, Burslem, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford and Stone,  for a limited period.  A donation of 10 pence will be made to John’s favourite charity, the Edridge Fund, from each pint sold.

Titanic Managing Director Keith Bott, worked as a brewer for John in Titanic’s early days. 

“I shall always be grateful to John for giving me a chance to pursue a career in the brewing industry” said Keith. “Titanic Brewery was John’s venture and when he could not carry on, I – along with Dave and our father – were fortunate to be able to raise the funds to take it on. 

“John was a kind and generous man who could often be seen enjoying a pint in the brewery tap – the Bulls Head, Burslem – long after he was forced to sell the brewery. 

“It was a measure of the man that he never felt any bitterness and remained a great supporter of Titanic Brewery throughout his later life.”

John passed away on 4 December at the age of 60 following a long illness.

His wife, Janet, said: “John would have loved the fact that a real ale was being produced in his memory.  He was a great supporter of CAMRA and was really pleased to see that Titanic Brewery was thriving.” 

“John worked as a probation officer from 1998 until earlier this year and he often fund raised for the Edridge Fund which was set up to help current and present probation officers and their families.” 

Ends

For further information contact Keith Bott on 01782 823447.

Notes to editors:

1)

John Pazio moved to North Staffordshire from Peterborough at an early age, and lived at Ball Green for much of his childhood. 

He was a talented musician and studied at the Northern College of Music in Manchester before enjoying a career as a double bass player in the renowned Royal Scottish National Orchestra. 

He went on to become Landlord of the Travellers’ Rest pub, Middleport, from where he founded Titanic Brewery. 

2)

Titanic Brewery was founded in Burslem in 1985 and has grown to produce more than two million pints of fine ale every year. It is owned by Stafford born brothers Keith and Dave Bott. Keith is Chairman of SIBA, the society of independent brewers. The brewery name is in recognition of Stoke-on-Trent as the birthplace of Captain Edward Smith, Master of the ill fated Titanic ocean liner.

Titanic’s full range of beer can be seen on the company’s website at www.titanicbrewery.co.uk. 

Titanic Brewery Co. Ltd.,

Callender Place,

Lingard Street,

Burslem,

Stoke-on-Trent,

ST6 1JL.