The move by the Cumbrian business is part of a two year plan that will enable the brewery to boost capacity by 40%, increasing from 10,000 hectolitres to 14,000 a year.

The project is designed to boost efficiency, quality assurance and output.

This comprises a new cold conditioning room, extension of its fermentation room, and new fermentation vessels purchased from Moeschle UK.

Alex Brodie, owner and founder at Hawkshead explained: “The demand from both the traditional and modern craft markets for head brewer Matt Clarke’s innovative and full-flavoured beers continues to outstrip our ability to supply.

“This expansion is not just about brewing more beer. It is about brewing more styles of beer, and giving us more flexibility to experiment and add to the already crazily wide range of beers we turn out.”