A FAMILY is hoping to tap into the burgeoning independent beer market after opening a micro-brewery in Ramsbottom.

Brewsmith Beer, which is run by husband and wife team James and Jennifer Smith, is now fully operational at their site on the Cuba industrial estate.

They have a lot on their plate at the moment, because as well as changing careers they have a baby son, Joshua, who will shortly turn one year old, and Ira, their four-year-old son who is set to start at Old Hall Primary School this week.

They have had the keys to the site for nine months, but after painstaking preparations in setting up the firm, they have now been brewing for the past month.

Their beers have already made it to several pumps in pubs across Bury and Manchester, and hope to build on this success in the future.

Mr Smith, aged 36, said: “I used to be a driving instructor in Bury, so it is completely unrelated. But we saw a business opportunity, and decided to go for it.

“It happened a bit by accident really. I still have to pinch myself in the morning when I remember that I am brewing beer for a living.”

His father, Ted Smith, who founded Horwich-based office furniture supplier Gresham, is also a company director.

Mr Smith, of Sunny Bower Street, Tottington, said he spent a lot of time researching the market to come up with their core products, namely Bitter, Pale Ale, IPA and Oatmeal Stout.

He added: “We are really pleased with the beer, and even more pleased with the really positive response from the venues and punters.

“We think this is a reflection of the quality of our ingredients, and the time taken to ensure we follow the traditional brewing processes.”

Mrs Smith, who is currently on paternity leave from her job in the energy industry, added: “Like any new venture it has taken a lot of time and effort to set up.

“It feels like so long in the planning, finding a venue, sourcing ingredients, setting up utilities, and of course the brewing equipment is bespoke.

“But we are finally at a point of brewing the beer, and seeing it go down so well in the pubs makes it all worth it.”