Our Story
The Tale of Two Lions
In the 1980s, a brother and sister lion pair were part of a petting zoo in Fairfax. A Loudoun resident, Jane, worked there and was responsible for bottle feeding the lions every four hours. At the time, Fairfax county regulations didn't allow lions over 6 months of age and their future was grim. Jane saved them from euthanasia and brought them to her home in Hillsboro. The lions, Justin and Jezebel, became a huge novelty in the town. People would come from as far as Haymarket to see them. When the lions eventually died, they were buried side by side in the center of the farm that is now the Loco Lion farm brewery. Their memorial site is marked for visitors.
The Laura & Nigel Story
What began as a shared love of craft beer blossomed into something more. Laura and Nigel's story started in Northern Virginia's vibrant brewery scene, where weekend tastings turned into dreams of creating their own unique space. Today, they've combined Laura's Penn State pride and Nigel's British heritage into Loco Lion Brewery, where every pour tells part of their story.
Vision for Loco Lion Brewery
At Loco Lion, we're crafting more than exceptional beers—we're creating a sustainable gathering place that honors our land and strengthens our community. Our vision rests on these fundamental principles:
Environmental Stewardship
We believe in being good stewards of our hilltop home. From our pollinator-friendly clover lawns to our natural pest management systems, every decision is made with environmental impact in mind. Our commitment extends to using permeable surfaces for parking, offering reusable glassware, and preserving native wildflowers that make our property unique.
Community Connection
As a locally-owned brewery, we're dedicated to creating a welcoming space where neighbors become friends and every visit feels like coming home. Whether you're joining us for a Penn State game, a Premier League match, or a quiet sunset pint with your four-legged friend, you're not just a customer—you're part of the Loco Lion pride.
Our pet-friendly outdoor areas welcome well-behaved dogs, making Loco Lion the perfect spot for the whole family. We're proud to be part of Loudoun County's vibrant craft beverage community and believe in giving back through local charity partnerships and community events. From fundraising initiatives to supporting animal welfare organizations, we're committed to making a meaningful impact in our region.
British Heritage & Lion Pride
The lion in our name also pays homage to co-founder Nigel's British roots. As a proud symbol on the Royal coat of arms since the 12th century, lions have represented English strength and tradition. This connection bridges Nigel's heritage with our Virginia countryside brewery, bringing authentic British pub hospitality and culture to our welcoming space.
The Nittany Lion Connection
Laura's Penn State roots run deep, and the Nittany Lion mascot – symbol of her alma mater – adds another layer to our lion tale. As proud Penn State alumni, we're creating a gathering spot for the vast network of PSU graduates in the mid-Atlantic region. From game days to alumni events, the Nittany Lion spirit lives on at Loco Lion.