Peak Ales converts former brewery into visitor centre

The new microbrewery in the Peak Ales Visitor Centre

Derbyshire’s Peak Ales has secured a £222,000 funding package from HSBC UK to convert its old microbrewery into a visitor centre. The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) has also provided funding for the project.

The new Peak Ales Visitor Centre, which is located on the Chatsworth Estate, was previously used as its main microbrewery plant, where it had operated since its inception in 2005.

The refurbished visitor centre now hosts a smaller microbrewery, tasting room and gift shop for visitors, which officially opened to the public in July 2018 after the microbrewery was installed. The business hopes that the new centre will attract new and returning customers and help raise awareness of the quality ale it brews.

History and heritage

Robert Evans, managing director of Peak Ales, said: “In 2014, HSBC UK provided a business loan that enabled us to upgrade our brewing equipment and move the main brewery to a new purpose-built premises in Ashford in the Water.

“We wanted to bring the space at the original plant back to life, preserving its history and heritage. With the support of our relationship manager at HSBC UK, Jack Stone, we’ve been able to convert our original brewery into a consumer-friendly visitor centre. Our original site means a great deal to the business and we hope that our customers enjoy it as much as we do.”

The brewery itself is the third Peak Ales has bought from specialist Moeschle. It’s a two-and-a-half barrel kit made of high-quality stainless steel to a state-of-the-art design.

Robert added: “This is a super piece of kit. The brewers are excited to be using something that is so easy to operate, yet versatile. While Peak Ales are known for our core range of traditional ales, the new brewery gives us the flexibility to experiment with new styles and expand the portfolio of beers we are able to offer to our customers.”

David Tomlinson, HSBC UK’s area director for business banking in the East Midlands, adde: “HSBC UK is actively supporting Great British businesses, and Peak Ales is no exception. Since its inception in 2005, we’ve watched the company go from strength to strength and increase annual turnover from £80,000 to £700,000 — a 775% uplift. We wish Robert and his team the best as they move forward with this exciting new facility.”