ONE of the most popular breweries in Cumbria is to produce more beer than ever - after completing an ambitious project to increase its capacity by 40 per cent.

Hawkshead Brewery will increase its output to 14,000 hectolitres per year, and double its pre-tax profits, as part of a two year plan. One hectolitre is equivalent to 100 litres.

The brewery at Staveley, near Kendal, which was opened in 2006, has been reorganised, at a cost of £175,000, to boost efficiency. 

A new cold conditioning room has been built, the fermentation room extended and new fermentation vessels bought.

Alex Brodie, Hawkshead’s owner and founder, said he was happy to put more investment into the brewery and it was a sensible business decision because “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,” said Mr Brodie. 

“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.”

Hawkshead Brewery sells mostly to independents. Last year it was brewing at full capacity and is expected to report sales for the year of £2.5m.