Today, Duration Brewing officially launches its crowdfunding campaign to expand its hostoric site and create an immersive taproom.
Derek Bates and Miranda Hudson of Duration Brewing
Duration Brewing is looking to raise up to £1 million to expand production and finish renovating its 16th century stone barn in rural Norfolk. This follows a 280% increase in brewery managed retail.
The landmark site, in West Acre, Kings Lynn, has already been converted into a state-of-the-art brewery to produce its multi-award-winning beers. Soon it will also house a breathtaking taproom that that will give visitors a view of the brewhouse on one side, and the ruins of a 10th century priory on the other.
The plan is to build a taproom and visitor centre transforming the crumbling south-end gable of the barn to include a commercial kitchen, two floors, and a huge glass window bringing in natural light and Norfolk’s stunning countryside.
Planning permission is already granted, and all that remains is to raise the funds and build the community that will bring it all to life.
This is being done through Crowdcube, from today, following a national tap takeover tour to launch a one-off beer, For the Duration.
How the entire Duration site should look after the transformation
The construction of the taproom will complete not only Duration’s historic site, but also realise the founders’ vision of a destination farmhouse brewery that celebrates the vital relationship between brewing and agriculture.
Voted one of the top ten best new breweries in the world in 2020 (RateBeer) and best new brewery in 2021 (Brewer’s Choice Award), Duration brews fresh clean beers alongside oak-aged wild ales that all use barley grown on the brewery’s doorstep, as well as taking in the unique local cultures, local produce, and water from the nearby river.
“When we started Duration, we wanted to build something truly unique and enchanting,” said managing director Miranda Hudson. “That meant a world-class brewery with a true connection to its landscape. A place to come and enjoy a farm-to-glass beer as part of your own Norfolk adventure.
“Last year we opened a taproom and had no idea it would take off as it has. People flock from all over the UK and beyond to visit us. The Crowdcube campaign will help us realise the final piece of our dream, inviting in a community of people who believe in our project.”
The minimum amount needed is £350,000, which will fund the taproom, improve the water treatment plant, and continue the brewery’s annual cellar expansion that will see Duration reach an annual capacity up to 5,000hl by 2025.
The site for the new taproom
Reaching a stretch goal of near £1m will mean the brewery can also add a laboratory, a new event and workspace, a fourth brewing vessel, upgrade its canning line, and enhance its sustainability drive with a rainwater recapture system and a fruit orchard.
Head brewer Derek Bates said: “We went large with the brewhouse at the start, investing early to save on expansion costs further down the line. Now we can simply focus on expanding our cellar to meet growing demand, as well as focusing on our environmental impact.
“We’re also making sure we give back more than as we take from our beautiful Norfolk landscape — recapturing rain water, ensuring we’re energy and water efficient, and planting a fruit orchard to enrich the flora and wildlife around us while providing local ingredients for our beer.”
Duration is offering up 15.21% of the company and seeking investors of all sizes. Shares cost from £50 and there are also plenty of other rewards for all investors, including lifetime discounts and invitations to special events.
“We already have some larger shareholders who helped us get off the ground. Now we’re looking to build a community around the brewery,” says Miranda. “Whether you are a local popping in for a beer every Friday, or beer fans buying online and visiting on holiday, we want everyone who loves our beer and philosophy to join us for the Duration.”
Find out more
To invest, visit the brewery’s page on Crowdcube after 10am on Wednesday, 25th May. The brewery has put together a video that showcases the beauty of the site and the size of the opportunity, which is watchable here. You can tune in to a drinkalong and Q&A hosted on Instagram on Wednesday, 15th June, with beers for the event available from the brewery webshop.
