Member Article

Six figure funding deal sparks Durham brewery revival

An historic brewery which closed more than 10 years ago is being brought back to life as a new micro-brewery.

Castle Eden Brewery is opening in County Durham later this month following a six-figure funding deal with NatWest and the bank’s asset finance partner Lombard.

The original Castle Eden Brewery was established in 1826 where it gained a reputation as a producer of quality ales which were sold throughout the UK. Amongst its products was Castle Eden Ale. But due to changes in trading the brewery was closed in 2002.

However two local businessmen, Cliff Walker and David Travers, have decided to revive the brand and are opening a new micro-brewery in Seaham, County Durham. Cliff purchased the Castle Eden brands and all of the intellectual property rights to the Castle Eden designs and recipes from AB In Bev, the world’s largest brewer, in 2012, and since then he and David have been working hard to put this project together.

Cliff has a background in the brewery industry, having worked as sales director with the original Castle Eden Brewery, as well as experience with Cameron’s, Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, Courage and Grand Metropolitan. David has worked in the drinks industry since 1976 with Vaux Breweries and currently has experience in contract bottling whilst running his own drinks company.

The new Castle Eden Brewery is due to open at the end of April and will create six full time jobs. In addition to brewing, the premises will house a ‘state of the art’ Moravek bottling line for the Castle Eden brands and the company is keen to offer contract filling services to other local and national brewers.

Cliff said: “Castle Eden Brewery has long played an important part in the commerce and heritage in the area. The products are high quality which many have enjoyed for nearly 200 years and we are delighted to be resurrecting the brewery.”

When the time came to secure funding to support the venture, David and Cliff turned to NatWest relationship manager Ben Foster for support. Ben obtained a six-figure loan to facilitate with Lombard providing funding for machinery.

David said: “It has taken time but we got there in the end. Ben has been committed to the business idea and provided good support throughout.”

Ben said: “I was delighted to support David and Cliff with the opening of Castle Eden Brewery. It’s exciting to see a much-loved brand revived and I wish the business every success for the future.”

James Clinghan, senior relationship manager at Lombard provided funding support for equipment.

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