THE popularity of real ale has seen a spike in the number of microbreweries setting up across the country.
Figures showed the number of new microbreweries in the UK increased 24 per cent last year, making it one of the fastest growing sections of the food and drink industry.
A study by accountancy group UHY Hacker Young showed the number jumped from 291 in 2013/14 to 361 in 2014/15.
And microbreweries in Essex continue to go from strength to strength.
The Mighty Oak Brewery, in Maldon, has expanded production, bought a new building and is preparing to open a micropub.
Established in 1996 the brewery was the brainchild of John Boyce and Ruth O’Neill.
Mr Boyce said: “People’s demand for real ale is growing. When I started in 1996 there were 300 breweries in the country, now it is in excess of 1,400.”
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