A SADDLEWORTH brewery is set to move premises and kickstart its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Donkeystone Brewing Company is relocating to Wellington Industrial Estate, off Wellington Road, a stone's throw from the base it has occupied since launching in 2017 at Boarshurst Business Park in Greenfield.

However, the new site will also house a new tap room, serving food and drink, plus introduce an artisan bakery, plans yet to be submitted to Oldham Council's planning department are approved.

A consultation letter sent to residents in advance of the planning application said: “The unit already has planning permission for industrial purposes which can lawfully operate 24/7.

“Donkeystone is proposing to retain the existing industrial use of the ground floor of the unit and utilise this space for a microbrewery and micro distillery. It will also provide tours of the brewery operations.

“The focus of this consultation is the mezzanine level where Donkeystone is looking to open a brand new tap room (drinking establishment) where people can enjoy drinks brewed on site, eat food prepared on the premises and purchase fresh artisan baked goods made in the unit for consumption off the premises.”

Almost two years ago, a plan for the tap room at Boarshurst was rejected by planners after nearby residents complained about the noise.

Although amended plans were approved in December 2019, it functioned with reduced hours.

Donkeystone went on: “Investigative work has been undertaken to inform the planning application, with particular attention given to noise and highways matters to ensure the proposals do not have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring properties and businesses.

“It is proposed the tap room, restaurant and artisan bakery will be open between midday and 11pm on Sundays to Thursdays and 12pm to 1am on Friday and Saturdays.

“Customer access to the taproom will be via a door on the south west elevation of the building, facing the Tesco service yard and away from any nearby homes.”

Donkeystone says the main hours of operation (including deliveries) will typically be 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays and potentially between 9am and 1pm on Saturdays.

The brewery has already been acclaimed for its beers, craft ales and stouts including Bray, Bad Ass Blonde, Javanilla, Cotton Clouds craft lager and Ferris Muler IPA.