Touring Robinsons’ New Brewery in Bredbury: Tradition, Technology &A Clear Vision for the Future
Last week, members of the BFBi Management Working Group were treated to an exclusive tour of Robinsons’ impressive new brewery in Bredbury, Stockport. With warm thanks to Oliver Robinson, Joint Managing Director, Martyn Weeks, Director of Brewing & Operations and Richard Edwards, Head Brewer, we enjoyed both an insightful BFBi meeting and a fascinating look behind the scenes at one of the region’s most forward-thinking brewing investments.
A Major Investment in Tradition and Flexibility
The new brewery represents an £8.4 million investment and features a 100hl, traditionally designed brewhouse. While intentionally more manual than its predecessor, the set-up has been engineered around flexibility, usability, and operational efficiency.
One standout feature is the online monitoring of dual-purpose vessels (DPVs), which removes the need for weekend brewing and supports a consistent, manageable production rhythm. The brewery currently operates:
The brewery also utilises bottom-fermenting vessels, offering further scope for traditional lager production.
Packaging: Quality First
Robinsons’ packaging formats include bottles, cask, and keg. When asked about the possibility of a future canning line, Richard highlighted that whilst they don’t have a canning line at present, the brewers have to remain agile to the market. However, at the moment, the team believes glass provides great quality and retains the character of Robinsons’ beers.
A centrifuge feeding two bright beer tanks allows for sterile filtration prior to kegging, while their new cask and keg racking lines can handle an impressive 80 casks and kegs per hour.
Building for Sustainability
Although the brewery has only recently been completed—having just celebrated its 500th brew after a careful three-month dual-brewing crossover—plans for further sustainability improvements are already well underway.
Projects under consideration include:
These initiatives show a clear commitment to reducing the brewery’s environmental footprint in the coming years.
Challenges Along the Way
No major project comes without its challenges, and Martyn and Richard were candid about the obstacles faced during the relocation and rebuild. Global events such as the Suez Canal closure and Houthi rebel disruptions impacted supply chains, and a last-minute decision to install an entirely new floor added further complexity.
Capacity, Contract Brewing & Opportunity
The brewery has been deliberately designed to meet the needs of Robinsons’ pub estate, with a small amount of additional capacity for the free trade. Robinsons has also returned to contract brewing, offering:
This positions Robinsons uniquely within a rapidly evolving drinks market.
A Sample Room with Heart
The tour concluded in the beautifully crafted Sample Room—a warm, nostalgic space inspired by classic pub décor. The tiles were even custom-made to replicate those from one of Robinsons’ own pubs.
As the group gathered over a beer, Martyn and Richard emphasised that the new brewery represents far more than an engineering project. It is a cultural investment, designed to reconnect the 120-strong brewery workforce with the heritage of the business, instill pride, and elevate standards across the board. The aim: delight customers, beat targets, and continue being a great place to work.
Looking Ahead
Martyn and Richard believe the brewery is perfectly sized for the next 10–15 years, and it’s clear that the Robinsons Directors possess a strong clarity of vision. Their investment in vacuum distillation technology places them in an ideal position to capitalise on the ongoing growth of the no/low category.
When asked about key learnings from the project, Martyn highlighted two essentials:
It’s advice that reflects Robinsons’ culture of collaboration, craft, and continuous improvement.
