Alongside Ely Cathedral, The Maltings is arguably one of the city’s distinguishing landmarks, dominating the banks of the River Great Ouse. Built in 1868, by the brewer Ebenezer Harlock, its purpose was to malt local barley for brewing ale and many of its historical architectural features can still be seen today.
The Maltings’ Elysian Hall was originally on three levels to process the barley. Upon arrival the barley was sifted and then was conveyed to the top floor where it was placed in large tanks, known as ‘steeps’ for several days. The barley was then run out on the second and first floors to sprout, frequently turned over for approximately 12 days before moving down to the drying kiln to be cured and dried. Malts were dried high for mild and dark ales and left pale for pale ales to be later stored for brewing.
A hundred years later, following a badly scarring fire, The Maltings was sold to East Cambridgeshire District Council for just £100. In 1971 the building was converted into a thriving entertainment complex accommodating weddings, conferences, seminars, banquets, cinema and concerts. Recently the property was taken over by the Compass Group and has subsequently undergone extensive sympathetic renovation. The Maltings re-opened in March 2009 to continue its legacy as one of East Anglia’s premier centres for meetings and events.
The Maltings’ Elysian Hall was originally on three levels to process the barley. Upon arrival the barley was sifted and then was conveyed to the top floor where it was placed in large tanks, known as ‘steeps’ for several days. The barley was then run out on the second and first floors to sprout, frequently turned over for approximately 12 days before moving down to the drying kiln to be cured and dried. Malts were dried high for mild and dark ales and left pale for pale ales to be later stored for brewing.
A hundred years later, following a badly scarring fire, The Maltings was sold to East Cambridgeshire District Council for just £100. In 1971 the building was converted into a thriving entertainment complex accommodating weddings, conferences, seminars, banquets, cinema and concerts. Recently the property was taken over by the Compass Group and has subsequently undergone extensive sympathetic renovation. The Maltings re-opened in March 2009 to continue its legacy as one of East Anglia’s premier centres for meetings and events.
