FRESH equipment has heralded a new era for a family-run microbrewery which started life in the back room of a bakery.

Neil and Maxine Friedrich, of Greenbank Road, Radcliffe, ran Charnwood Foods bakery in Walshaw for 28 years before deciding to develop cask-conditioned real ales in 2010.

In partnership with children Lance and Carley, Brightside Brewing Company moved to dedicated premises in Radcliffe in July last year and this week saw a large expansion.

The plant has scaled up from 2.5 barrels to 15 barrels, meaning it can now produce 4,200 pints each day compared to previously making 5,000 a week.

Carley said the equipment was specifically designed to suit the company’s method of brewing and after plumping and tests should be in use by the end of February.

Carley, who lives in Openshaw, said: “It will make life a lot easier for us.

“Initially we will use the larger plant for the bestselling beers and continue to use the smaller kit for the rest of the range of test brews, but as the business grows the new equipment will be used more and more frequently.”

The new equipment was delivered during the week of the Manchester Beer and Cider Festival, at which Brightside sponsored the foyer area and showed six beers.

Brightside will be updating their social media sites with progress and for more information: search Brightside Brewing Company on Facebook or follow @Brightsidebrew on Twitter.