RISING demand for craft beer from a South Durham brewery has sparked a move to premises four times its current size.

Steam Machine Brewing Company, in Newton Aycliffe, was set just more than 12 months ago but its owners Nick and Gulen Smith are preparing for their second official brewery opening this weekend.

Quadruple the size of their first base, the new premises is just a stone’s throw away at Unit 14 of the IES Centre, on Horndale Avenue.

Mr Smith, a former chemistry teacher, said: “The main reason for moving was to increase capacity as we had been running at maximum since early this year and we had simply not been able to keep up with demand for our beer from our trade customers.

“Our beer is now being bought and sold across the UK, so by having bigger premises, not only will we be able to satisfy the demand for our current range of beers, it will also enable us to introduce newer beers.”

The brewery will now be able to increase the amount of beer they brew by more than five times - taking them from 1,600 bottles to 9,100 bottles each week.

After the success of their first brew room, they have also included a new, larger room on the premises, enabling people to drink the beers in the same place they are made.

“The brewery is situated on a private industrial estate so people have to call us from the entrance gate to gain access,” added Mr Smith. “Despite the fact people need to make an effort to come to us, the brew room is always full, so we are delighted to have been able to retain it and actually make it even bigger.”

The Steam Machine Brewing Company’s current core range of beers are an IPA, Double IPA, Earl Grey-infused IPA, Red IPA, Treacle Toffee Stout, Saison Blonde and a Lapsang Souchong Smoked Porter.

With more capacity, Mr and Mrs Smith plan to expand the range further and add more seasonable tipples.

Complete with live music and local food, the official opening will take place on Sunday from midday until 7pm.

For more information call 07415759945, email info@steammachinebrew.com or visit steammachinebrew.com