Independent Yorkshire brewery Amity Brew Co is marking the first anniversary of its move to a larger production facility in Greengates, a milestone that has helped the business double output and expand into international markets.
The brewery relocated its brewing operations to a 30,000 sq ft unit at Albion Mills last year, separating production from its hospitality offering and creating the capacity needed to support continued growth. The move was supported by Pudsey-based law firm John Howe & Co, which advised on the lease agreement and associated legal matters.
Since establishing operations at Albion Mills, Amity has recorded 100% growth in production and begun exporting further afield, with regular pallet shipments now reaching destinations including Finland and Italy.
The expansion has also enabled the brewery to reimagine its original home at Sunny Bank Mills. Earlier this year, the site was transformed into a dedicated taproom and kitchen, now operating six days a week with an all-day and evening food menu. The venue can accommodate up to 200 drinkers and diners.
Alongside increased brewing capacity, the Albion Mills site offers customers the opportunity to enjoy Amity’s beers directly from the source. John Howe & Co has now supported the brewery on both of its lease agreements as the business has grown from a start-up launched during the pandemic into an established regional brand.
Russ Clarke, co-founder of Amity Brew Co, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be up and running at Greengates. The new site is a significant step in our journey and John Howe & Co has been with us the whole way.
“When we started Amity, we were delivering beer by hand during the pandemic and learning as we went. Demand has grown steadily since then, and this move gives us the breathing space we need to brew more beer, do things properly and keep the quality where we want it.
“Having advisers who understand our business and share our enthusiasm has made a real difference throughout the process.”
The connection between the brewery and the law firm stretches back before their professional relationship began. Several members of the John Howe & Co team were already customers of the brewery and supported the fledgling business during the pandemic by ordering beer for home delivery.
Jenna Howe, Solicitor at John Howe & Co, said: “We were fans of Amity long before we became their lawyers, so being able to support the team as they take this next step has been hugely rewarding. They have built something special through hard work, quality and a genuine connection with their community, and it’s been a pleasure to help put the legal foundations in place for their expansion.
“Projects like this are what we enjoy most – supporting ambitious local businesses at key moments in their development and helping them move forward with confidence.”
With its new brewery now fully operational and the Sunny Bank Mills venue evolving into a dedicated hospitality destination, Amity Brew Co is entering its next phase of growth while maintaining the community-focused approach that has underpinned its success since launch.
