North Yorkshire brewery raises a glass to completion of £850k expansion

A North Yorkshire brewery has completed a six-figure investment into the expansion of its operations.

Family-run firm Rooster’s Brewing Co has invested £850k in a new brewery and taproom - three times the size of its previous premises.

The 20,000 sq ft facility at Hornbeam Park in Harrogate is the latest move by the firm, which employs 17 people and has its beers stocked in national pubs and bars as well as retailers including Waitrose, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s.

In addition to a new brewery, the site also features an onsite taproom which will serve as a community hub, as well as a smaller 1,600 litre brewing plant for the creation of special edition beers.

Commenting on the company’s expansion, director Ian Fozard, said: “This move marks the start of a new and exciting chapter in a twenty-seven-year history that has seen the company recognised as one of the originators and pioneers of the craft beer movement.

“The new brewery enhances both our brewing capabilities and our competitiveness in the marketplace, and means we’re exceptionally well placed to service the growing demand for our range of award-winning beers, both in the UK and further afield.”

Tom Fozard, commercial director, added: “Harrogate is in Rooster’s DNA, it’s where the brewery first started life, so it’s extra special to be able to bring the company home.

“Creating a taproom and upstairs event space where people can socialise and enjoy themselves was really important to us, as we want to embed ourselves at the heart of local community life and be known as more than just a brewery that makes really great beers.”