A TOWN'S first-ever craft beer brewery is now welcoming customers to try its industrial estate tipples.

The Steam Machine, in Newton Aycliffe, has opened a unique Brew Room to allow ale-lovers the chance to enjoy the range of eight bottled beers plus beers on keg.

Despite its somewhat unlikely location in a unit on a private compound on the town's industrial estate, the licensed brewery has already become a popular haunt.

Founder Nick Smith said: “We want to turn the brew room into a social space where people can come and enjoy our hand-crafted beers in literally the same place they are made.

“We have only been open a few weeks but have been staggered by the interest. People are coming from all over to try our beers and we have even had impromptu live music sessions as well."

The Steam Machine was set up in 2015 by former chemistry teacher Mr Smith and his wife Gulen.

Their beers, which are heavily influenced by the American craft beer scene, are now being sold in shops and pubs across the region.

“The beauty of the brew room is that people can take home the beer at its very freshest and we will also be making beer exclusive to the venue," added Mr Smith.

The Brew Room is open three times a week, from 5pm to 11pm on Thursday and 12pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

For more information call 07415 75 99 45, email info@steammachinebrew.com or visit www.steammachinebrew.com