A £250,000 investment will see production at a popular brewery increase by more than 600 per cent.
Lakeland Brewhouse has moved into larger premises in Ulverston, Cumbria, and doubled the size of its brewing equipment to increase the production of its nationally renowned beers and ales.
It means the outfit can increase output from three brews a week to the equivalent of 20 using the larger vessels. As a result of the brewery expansion, five new jobs will be created.
Managing director, Kirsty Ridge, said: “This is the most exciting time for Lakeland Brewhouse, and we are looking forward to producing and distributing what we offer on a much larger scale, whilst also exploring and developing new brews and flavours which we can bring to the market.
“Our beers and ales are shipped across the country, and we are committed to producing the best possible products for our loyal customers.
“We have been overwhelmed by the support of the public through an increased demand in our beers, especially during lockdown. That demand has continued as restrictions have eased, and we’re very thankful for that.
“We have made this investment during a global pandemic. It is, of course, a risk. But I am very confident that the hospitality industry will recover well enough to ensure there is demand for our increased output.
“This investment in the brewery will significantly increase the volume of beer and ale we can produce, and ensure your favourite pubs and shops are well stocked with Lakeland Brewhouse products.”
Lakeland Brewhouse’s sister company is Lakeland Inns, which has expanded its portfolio of pubs over the last 18 months from three to six.
Beers produced by the Brewhouse team are available at all Lakeland Inns pubs: The Sun Inn, Ulverston; The Black Cock, Broughton-in-Furness; The Royal Oak, Spark Bridge; The Commodore, Grange-over-Sands; The Royal Oak, Curthwaite and The Clarkes Hotel, in Rampside.
Work is ongoing to open The Tap Bar at the brewhouse’s new location on Lightburn Industrial Estate, close to Ulverston Railway Station, by the end of this year.
Kirsty, who is also Regional Director (North West) of SIBA – the Society of Independent Brewers, said: “The brewery is in an ideal location for the public and is easy to access from the station. We can’t wait to welcome people to the brewhouse and treat them to the whole experience.”
The brewing process will still take place in a 100 per cent renewably powered brewhouse as the business maintains its strong commitment to sustainability.
Kirsty said: “We make sure we produce 100 per cent proper beer through a sustainable process and customers can enjoy their pint even more in the knowledge that they are doing their bit for the planet in the process. Saving the planet has never tasted so good.”
The brewery was founded in 2008 by Stringers Beer head brewer Jon Kyme.
