Beer production is expected to start on the edge of the Weald next week following a move by the Old Dairy Brewery.

The company has taken over new premises next to Tenterden Station and opened its shop.

The move is a £600,000 investment which should see the brewery expand six fold.

Managing director John Roberts said: “It’s a major step forward for the Old Dairy Brewery.

“Overnight, we have transformed the business from what was essentially a hobby start-up into a fully fledged, commercially funded and operated brewery.

“The investment has increased our brewing capacity six fold and is enabling us to take the business to the next level by commercialising our sales, marketing and operations.”

The brewery, which employs 10 people, was formed four years ago by Lionel Fretz, an ex-city financier, and has been operating from an old milking parlour in Rolvenden.

“We couldn’t brew enough to keep up with demand, so expansion into bigger premises was the obvious solution,” said Mr Roberts.

Production will be focused on the company’s core beer range – red top, gold top and blue top – plus new and seasonal and speciality beers.

There is a new shop and visitor centre and brewery tours will be run twice a week.

Mr Roberts added: “We believe there is a great opportunity to exploit the growing UK and international consumer interest in craft beers.”