HAMPSHIRE BREWERY LAUNCHES CROWDFUNDER FOR NEW ‘TEST LAB’

A HAMPSHIRE brewery is hoping to raise £50,000 from its most loyal supporters in order to offer innovative new beers - and stave off closure.

The Itchen Valley Brewery, based in Alresford, plans to use the money to trial new products to help the business recover from Covid-19 restrictions.

The brewery hopes to create an IVB Spirits Collection and a ‘test lab’ to trial news beers and styles of brewing.

These new ventures are part of turning around the brewery’s fortunes, with the coming months set to be ‘genuinely critical' for keeping the business open.

Addressing supporters, a statement from the brewery said: ‘ The impact of Covid-19 has devastated our industry.

‘Government help has been very limited, as the majority of support offered to the hospitality sector has not included brewers.

‘We have been fighting against the tide for almost a year – and we are now reaching out to our loyal customers and all beer enthusiasts, to help us fight back.’

As part of the crowdfunding scheme, a donation of £10 will see the supporter’s named added on a thank-you board in the brewery tap room.

For £50, a donation grant a membership card with 50 per cent off all purchases and special invitations to try new beers.

As per the terms of Crowdfunder, funds will only be released if the brewery reaches its target by March 17.

Anyone wishing to support the effort should visit crowdfunder.co.uk/ itchenvalleybrewery.