Loudoun County is getting a new farm brewery. Loco Lion Brewery celebrated its soft opening with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday. The 26-acre venue, with views of the western Loudoun countryside, opens to the public on October 4.
Loco Lion will offer wine and 10 rotating craft beers. The beers are developed by brewer Jose Ayala — formerly of Boston Beer Company — and made with Blue Ridge Mountain water. The brewery also uses honey produced by bees on the property to make small batches of mead.
The venue will also serve British and American cuisine. The menu includes a Ploughman’s Lunch with curated local cheeses; a classic sausage roll wrapped in a puff pastry; a panini with pork, ham, and onion; tater tots; and craft pizzas.
Loco Lion is pet- and family-friendly and has plenty of outdoor seating in addition to a two-story tasting room and deck. Leashed dogs are allowed on the property and in the tasting room. It will also host live performances by local musicians.
Owners Laura Starego and Nigel Rourke were inspired in part to name their venue after two African lions buried on the property. “In the 1980s, two African lion siblings, Jezebel and Justin, were rescued and brought to Hillsboro, VA. A novelty in the area, they attracted numerous visitors. As the larger of the two lions, Justin weighed over 500 pounds and was 10 feet long, nose to tail. The 15 pounds of meat he ate each day was often provided by local farmers and hunters. These lions became the inspiration for our brewery name,” the website says.
Tours of the property are available by appointment. 36577 Heskett Ln., Hillsboro
Feature image courtesy Sophie Sanders
