Beer importer and distributor Cave Direct is to open a new hub in Bristol in September.

The new site, which is expected to be fully operational by 5 September, will enable the company to offer accounts the technical and marketing support it already provides from its Manchester and Kent warehouses.

The facility, known as Cave Direct West, will be operated by company director Mike Rochester, who is a long-serving employee of Cave Direct.

Cave Direct founder Colin Gilhespy explained: “Our long-term strategy has always been to deliver direct through out the UK using our own drays. This allows us to interact face to face with our customers, while delivering the freshest beer, competitive pricing and greater stock control.

“This is a big step towards that ambition and Bristol with its independent resilient and cultured outlook will be perfect for our list of some 300-plus acclaimed beers.”