Plans to transform an old beachfront art studio into a micro-brewery with tasting and education experiences have been approved.

Whitstable Brewery, owned by the Oyster Company, is set to start creating small batches of “experimental” beer in the empty building, a stone's throw from the sea.

The plans include installing a tasting area, where guests can sample creations which will “push the boundaries” of beer-making.

Residents have given high praise to the scheme, which will “support a heritage craft for which Kent is renowned”.

Bosses at Whitstable Oyster Company hope to be accepting punters at the venue off Horsebridge Road, situated next to the beach, by next spring.

In planning documents, designers Blink Architecture said: “We seek to convert the vacant building, previously in use as an art studio, to form a nano brewery with an education space and tasting area.

“The proposals would see the installation of the smallest available commercial brew kit - 400 litres - allowing the Whitstable Brewery to produce small experimental batches of beers and real ales which it is currently unable to do, extending the offering and capacity of this small traditional local business.”

‘Nano’ is a term used in the industry to describe beer-making spaces smaller than micro-breweries.

Last orders will be called at 10pm, with doors closing at 6pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Booze-making will take place from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Looking to the future, the brewers hope the new location will help the company develop, with head brewer Will Green hoping to “push the boundaries” of craft lagers and ales.

He explained: “Brewing on this small scale will enable us to produce and showcase more obscure and rare beer styles as well as push the boundaries of our recipes.

“We will be using quality ingredients produced in Kent as well as some from further afield for the drinks that require it.

“The pints we produce will be available to sample onsite, several of them will be poured directly from the tanks themselves for maximum freshness.”

To set itself apart from bigger breweries, the new venue will be hosting tutored tastings and brew days to give an opportunity for people to learn about the brewing process in greater detail.

Planning documents state: “The proposals will offer a positive contribution to the local community, giving a direct public view to the brewing and production of lager and real ale, which uses local produce.

“As part of the commitment to the craft of brewing, it is the intention of Whitstable Brewery to provide private tours and demonstrations to the public which will involve tasting sessions. “They will also sell some of the produced batches.”

The thought of alcohol sampling by the sea has delighted some Whitstable residents.

Voicing her support for the planning bid, Kate Ward, who works in the beer industry, made representations saying the move will create a “buzzing hub of positivity”.

She said: “I feel this move would greatly benefit not only the crippled hospitality and brewery industry but also the local community and the economy of Whitstable.

“The town’s beauty, peaceful atmosphere and strong sense of community are unparalleled in my opinion, and to bring the business back to the postcode would only benefit the local residents and drive more money towards the town.”

She continued, “Taprooms such as those proposed in this application are safe spaces, educating drinkers on the process from grain to glass and when done well, are a buzzing hub of positivity.

“I truly hope this application gets approved and we can return Whitstable Brewery back to Whitstable.”

Another resident, Sophie Holliday, is also a fan of the scheme, saying: “With craft beer becoming more popular, I think this is a great idea.

“I love the idea of learning more about how it’s brewed and being able to enjoy it on the seafront.

“It’s something very different to the usual pubs in the area.”

Kent’s historic reputation for the tipple and the company's seaside roots were the drive behind the new venture.

Mr Green explained: “Our inspiration for brewing is rooted in the town and county we call home.

“Kent is absolutely steeped in brewing history and culture, and all of the unique aspects, sights, smells and flavours of Whitstable provide us with inspiration for our recipes.

“However, the format of the experimental new production site and educational tasting area is inspired by those perfected by the folks across the pond in North America.”

‘This will allow us to push the boundaries of our recipes...’

Whitstable Brewery also has plans to open another location in Reculver, Herne Bay, which councillors controversially branded a “glorified shed”.

But a fresh application has been submitted, and Mr Green remains optimistic.

He stated: “We are hoping to open a larger production site down the road at Reculver in a currently unused warehouse next to the oyster hatchery.

“Our aim for this site is to build a 1,500 litre craft brewery that will produce a wide range of styles as well as longer-form barrel-aged beers with the same brewing ethos as the Whitstable branch.

‘It’s something very different to the usual pubs in the area...’

“This will also feature a more substantial family-friendly taproom area where the majority of the beer will be poured from serving tanks alongside locally produced wines, ciders and soft drinks.

“It will also feature outdoor seating with rotating food trucks and lawn games.”

The new pub-like venue in the company's hometown will be among many of its other businesses, including the oyster farm and accompanying bar.