Today is Judy Ashworth’s birthday. She’s the Grand Dame of Publicans, having once owned the Lyons Brewery Depot in the East Bay, one of the earliest bars to really embrace, support and promote craft beer. Judy sold the pub in 1998 after some health troubles sidelined her, but she’s still a fixture in the Bay Area beer scene. I’ve judged with her many times and these days she’s very supportive of the homebrewing movement and she can be seen at most of the major beer events throughout the year. Join me in wishing Judy a very happy birthday.
Judy with Shaun O’Sullivan (21st Amendment) and Chris Black at his Falling Rock Taphouse during GABF week in 2007.
Out in front of The Bistro in Hayward at the Wood-Aged Beer Festival in August of 2008. From left: Jeremy Cowan, owner of He’Brew, Judy, Dave Heist, and Zak, also from He’Brew.
At the Toronado Barleywine Festival in 2008, Judy Ashworth, Matt Salie (with Big Sky Brewing) and Judy’s daughter Laurel.
Judy with Stephen Beaumont, me and Peter Hoey at the 2010 Pliny the Younger release.
Dave Suurballe, Judy, Julie Nickels and Bruce Paton at Anchor Brewing for the book release party for Tom Acitelli’s “Audacity of Hops” a couple of years ago.
Judy had a nasty fall at home and broke her leg in two places. She’s in a wheel chair and crutches for a bit. I know she’d appreciate everyone’s good wishes at this painful time.
Judy, feel better. You certainly have the love of so many of us, I hope that helps in some way. Hopefully you’re allowed a beer or two on your Birthday. Cheers
Judy–is there a cup holder on that wheelchair?? Hope you still manage to have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and are feeling better soon. Thanks for starting us on the journey way back when!
-Proud member, LBDCC
Happy Birthday Judy – it has been a long time since the original Lyons still remember you and it fondly. FYI my beer is much better now.
Happy Birthday Judy! You have been through a lot lately, so I want you to know we are all keeping you in our thoughts. Cheers to you!
I well remember my first (& only) visit to Judy’s place in Niles Canyon back in 1986. I was with a busload of Chico-area home brewers and, after several stops en route, we wound up at Judy’s for more beers and dinner; and what beers! I discovered and fell in love with Felinfoel’s Double Dragon Ale which was on tap. Her charm and hospitality have stayed fresh in my memory since then. Happy Birthday to you & get well quickly, Judy, the planet does not have enough good people like you upon it.
Judy, so sorry I am later in wishing you H.B. and sorry to hear about your fall. We worked together in the mid ’80 (AHA and such) and you remain an inspiration. I kept wondering how you were doing, and was worried when I couldn’t find Lyons on the web, so asked Mark Carpenter of your whereabouts. We sold the inn in 2004 and retired to Center City Philadelphia (the best beer drinking city in the US). I hope we can stay in touch.
Happy bday Judy!!!! We were at the first day of the Lyon’s grand opening in Dublin and didn’t even live here yet!!! And the last day by which time we’d been quaffing your great beers for many years. Sorry to hear about your fall but sure hope you can enjoy some great beers on your bday. Cheers to you!
Judy’s always been a class act & was a great addition to the craft brew scene early on – the San Andreas Malts thank her again for judging @ many of the State Homebrew Club Competitions @ Stern Grove way back when.
Kim & Harry – you’re a year late w/your comment – PAY ATTENTION!
Happy birthday 2013, Judy! I’ll pour myself a Foggy Night in the Sierras in your honor this evening.
Hoppy beerday Judy!!!! Long time no see!!!! Hope all’s well and you had a great day!
Hoppy Beerday Judy! Nice to see you in Sac.!!! Tooooo funny to run into you there!!! We’re going back in the fall so may see you then too!!!! Hope you have a great beer day Great Dame of Beer!
Was an original patron in the early days at LDB, still have a white bottle of Belgian ale with the soot marks on it! Beer has changed too much for me today, don’t get the exaggerated anal-hop-fascination with brewing these days! Why can’t I find a good cold Saxon Brewery Ale?
Hoppy beerday Judy! Wow those pics bring back memories! Thought we might run into you at Sac Beer Week last weekend, maybe another time. Hope have a great beerday!!!
I remember drinking out of one of my hosehead hats at Lyons in Sunol back in the 1980’s. In fact her then husband bought one from me. My younger brother Macky & his beer buddy Matt used to help Judy out at various beer events,when they weren’t enjoying the Bay Area’s premier assortment of craft beers at Lyons in Dublin.
Judy’s encyclopedic knowledge of all types of beer was only exceeded by her warm hospitality & certainly helped nurture my lifelong love affair with beer. I’m sure she wouldn’t be surprised that I’ve parlayed that accumulated knowledge into a late life career change,as I’m now working for a large liquor store chain. We miss you & will always love you Judy. I hope you’re back on your feet soon ! I’m going to buy a bottle of Samichlaus & drink it while wishing you a very Happy Birthday !!!