Bristol Beer Factory has invested £1.2 million in a new, environmentally sustainable facility to expand its production capacity with an aim to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040.

Bristol Beer Factory has secured a seven-figure capital import finance and hire purchase funding package from Lloyds. It has operated in South Bristol for more than 20 years and owns four pubs across the city: BBF Tap Room & Studio, The Barley Mow, Arnolfini Harbourside Café-Bar and Junction.

The finance package has enabled the company to meet rising customer demand, streamline operations and improve sustainability – all while it continues to support the local community through charitable initiatives.

Having outgrown its previous premises, the company has expanded into a new 12,000 sq ft facility- doubling its original footprint. This significant growth enables increased production capacity, including the launch of a new 4.1% Pilsner lager.

The new brewery features carbon capture and vapour heat recovery technology to boost its carbon efficiency. The carbon captured is recycled and reused to carbonate the beer, reducing emissions while also mitigating the cost of buying the gas in – which can be impacted by price volatilities. The technology will deliver estimated annual savings of £100,000.

Proud of its South Bristol heritage, Bristol Beer has used the expansion to support local job creation and skills development. Six new recruits have joined the team, including two apprentices.

In a similar vein, the brewery is well known locally for its “Brewed to Give” initiative, through which it donates 2% of every brewery sale to Bristol-based charities and grassroots projects. Since 2023, this programme has delivered over £450,000 worth of support to more than 250 charities.

With 80% of its volume sold through direct delivery to local venues, the business remains focused on serving Bristol’s hospitality sector – even as it partners with wholesalers nationwide.

Sam Burrows, managing director at Bristol Beer Factory, said: “This expansion is about more than just brewing more beer, we’ve also been able to make improvements across the board, benefitting our people, community and planet.”

“We’re continuing towards our goal of being a leading brand in the city, that’s known for doing right by the community we operate in. This new brewery means we can better respond to a positive trend in customer demand while also increasing our ability to deliver social value-driven projects like “Brewed to Give”. We’re excited to see what the future holds.”

Will Kite, relationship director at Lloyds, said: “Bristol Beer Factory is a shining example of what sustainable growth looks like. By investing in greener production and deepening its community roots, it’s driving lasting value across Bristol. We’ve worked with the business for the past decade and are proud to support them in their ongoing success.”