The first batch of beer has been brewed at the new home of Goddards — the Isle of Wight's oldest brewery — as it prepares to open the doors to its new multi-million pounds visitor centre for the first time.
The business, which was founded around 30 years ago by Anthony Goddard and wife Alix, has relocated from its previous site at Barnsley Farm in Ryde, to Branstone just off Newport Road.
Formerly just a brewery, Goddards is hoping to transform into a major tourist attraction.
The new building boasts a retail shop selling Isle of Wight produce, a visitor attraction with 28 digital touch screens, and an audio visual area.
Upstairs, there is also a restaurant/bar with an outdoor terrace and a window through to the brewery.
The brewery's liquor tanks and mash tuns have been moved and installed at the new site.
Bob Simpson, managing director at Goddards Brewery, told the County Press: "I think [the building] will be iconic as time goes on.
"It's been built in such a way to make it look like a design piece.
"Based over in Ryde, we were just a brewery. We made cask beer, then keg beer and then bottled beer.
"There were about nine of us there.
"If you put it into context, we've gone from nine employees last week to around 30 now."
Bob said there were over 500 applications for roles at the new centre.
All of those who got the job were local people, he added.
He said a lot of the building's design is the vision of Teri Woods, formerly of Woods' Kitchen in Godshill, who has also helped with catering.
While award-winning photographer Sienna Anderson has helped bring it to life with her artwork and photography.
From start to finish, Bob said it took around four years to get the building to where it is today.
When it opens in Easter, visitors to the centre will get the chance to watch the brewing process in action, as well as taste the range of ales and beers on offer.
Bob said a membership system is going to be in place for customers: "If you come in and make a payment of £12.50 and become a member you get given a taster platter of three [glasses, each with a] third of a pint, a chalice glass and ten per cent off in the shop.
"Fundamentally, you'll get your money back on day one or day two."
Visitors and Island dignitaries, including Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon, were invited to an opening ceremony on Wednesday, March 29.
Goddard's new site can be found just along the road from the Isle of Wight Council's Branstone Farm site.
Several businesses have already begun to move into the new development.
The old Barnsley Farm site, meanwhile, is expected to be used for residential purposes.
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