Award-winning brewery launching Crowdcube campaign on 25th May to convert part of 16th century barn into a destination taproom and expand production to meet demand. Just three years after opening, Duration Brewing is looking to raise up to £1 million to expand production and finish renovating its 16th century stone barn in rural Norfolk following 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 gives 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 – all of which will be done through Crowdcube. The campaign launches this Wednesday 25th May on Crowdcube www.durationbeer.com/fortheduration following a national tap takeover tour to launch a one-off beer, For the Duration, around the UK.
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 10 Best New Breweries in the world in 2020 (RateBeer) and Best New Brewery in 2021 (Brewer’s Choice Award), Duration brew fresh clean beers alongside oak-aged wild ales that all use the 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,” says 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.
Reaching a stretch goal of near £1million 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 adds: “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 invites 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.”
To invest, people can visit the brewery’s page on Crowdcube [https://durationbeer.com/fortheduration] when the campaign goes live at 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 [https://bit.ly/forthedurationvideofull] and 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 here [http://shop.durationbeer.com].
ABOUT DURATION BREWING
Duration is a modern farmhouse brewery in West Norfolk making beers that belong. Fresh beers and wild and blended farm-style ales with a sense of time and place. Founded in 2019, our vision is to build a destination farmhouse brewery that is educational, pioneering and brings jobs and skills to the area. Surrounded by the creative solitude of nature we make good beer, with good people, in a way that respects where we are.
AWARDS GIVEN TO DURATION BREWING
Top 10 Best New Breweries in the World RateBeer 2020
Bet The Farm 4.5% Continental Pale Ale Best Beer by Subregion East Anglia RateBeer 2020
Best Brewer by Subregion East Anglia RateBeer 2020
Best Brewer by Subregion East Anglia RateBeer 2021
Gold for Best Premium Lager Doses 5.1% German Pilsner SIBA BeerX Regionals 2021
Gold for Best Premium Lager Doses 5.1% German Pilsner SIBA BeerX Nationals 2022
Gold for Best Speciality Lager Harvest Bier 5.5% Marzen SIBA BeerX Regionals 2021
Silver for Speciality Lager Harvest Bier 5.5% Marzen SIBA BeerX Nationals 2022
Silver for Best Imperial IPARemember When The Pub 7.1% IPA SIBA BeerX Regionals 2021
Best New Brewery in the UK Brewer’s Choice 2021
Best New Beer in the UK Turtles All The Way Down 5.5% APA Brewer’s Choice 2021
Best Conservation Project – Design and Craftsmanship Awards for Norfolk 2021
Best Farmhouse Brewery in East Anglia Food & Drink Awards Lux Life 2021
Best American Pale Ale in East Anglia Turtles All The Way Down 5.5% APA Food & Drink Awards Lux Life 2021
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