Author: CASSMAN Publish Time: 2025-09-05 Origin: CASSMAN BEER BREWING EQUIPMENT
Project Title: A Compact, Custom-Fit 500L Brewery for "The Griffin's Head," a Traditional Pub in Manchester
Client: The owner of "The Griffin's Head," a historic pub in Manchester's Northern Quarter, looking to attract a new generation of customers by brewing their own unique beers on-site.
Location: Manchester, UK
The UK's beer scene is a vibrant mix of centuries-old pub culture and a dynamic modern craft movement. To stay competitive, many traditional pubs are embracing the "brewpub" model—brewing and serving their own beer under the same roof. The owner of "The Griffin's Head" had this exact vision, but faced a challenge common to many historic buildings in British cities: extremely limited space. He wanted to convert his small, underutilized cellar into a fully functional brewery. This required a brewing system that was not just high-quality, but ingeniously compact.
The project's success hinged on overcoming several key constraints:
Severe Space Limitation: The pub's cellar had a low ceiling and a very small footprint. A standard, linear brewhouse layout was impossible. The solution had to be vertical and custom-designed to fit the exact dimensions.
Flexibility for UK Beer Styles: The system needed to be versatile enough to produce both traditional British cask ales (requiring precise mash temperatures) and modern, hop-forward kegged beers like IPAs.
Cost-Effective and Efficient Operation: As an addition to an existing business, the brewery needed to be an efficient, cost-effective investment. This meant minimizing installation complexity and maximizing energy efficiency for a 500L batch size.
Compliance with UK Standards: All equipment had to be designed and built to meet UK-specific regulations, including UKCA marking and health and safety standards for commercial workplaces.
CASSMAN's engineering team developed a brilliant, space-saving solution: a 500L 2-Vessel Electric "Combi" Brewhouse.
Key System Features:
Ingenious Vertical Design: To conquer the space issue, we designed a "stacked" system. The Mash/Lauter Tun was positioned directly on top of the Hot Liquor Tank (HLT). This "combi-tank" design effectively cut the floor space required for the hot-side brewing equipment in half.
Highly Efficient Electric Heating: We specified a direct electric heating system with multiple low-density heating elements in the kettle. This choice was perfect for a cellar installation as it requires no boiler, no gas lines, and no flue, drastically simplifying installation and improving safety in a confined space.
Precision Control for Versatility: The brewhouse was equipped with a user-friendly control panel featuring PID temperature controllers and variable-speed pump controls. This gave the brewer the precision needed to perform multi-step mashes for classic ales and the power for a strong, rolling boil essential for modern IPAs.
UKCA-Compliant Engineering: CASSMAN managed the entire compliance process, ensuring that all pressure vessels, wiring, and components were designed and documented to meet UKCA standards, providing a hassle-free path to regulatory approval.
Our process was defined by meticulous planning and a collaborative spirit.
3D Modeling is Key: The client provided the cellar's precise measurements. Our engineers then created a detailed 3D model of the entire brewery layout, demonstrating exactly how the compact system would fit and function within the space. This virtual walkthrough gave the client complete confidence before manufacturing began.
Modular Fabrication: The system was built in a modular fashion, allowing for easier transport down the narrow cellar stairs and final assembly on-site. All piping and wiring were pre-fitted and labeled to simplify the installation process.
Expert Logistics & Documentation: We handled all logistics, shipping the crated system to the Port of Manchester. We provided a comprehensive documentation package, including all UKCA technical files, which made the customs and import process smooth and predictable after Brexit.
Remote Installation Guidance: CASSMAN provided detailed assembly diagrams and video call support to the local team of installers, ensuring a successful and efficient setup.
"The Griffin's Head" successfully transformed its old cellar into a bustling, profitable brewery.
A Perfect Fit: The custom-designed vertical brewery fit into the cellar exactly as planned in the 3D model, turning previously wasted space into the heart of the pub's new identity.
A Destination for Beer Lovers: The pub now produces a popular range of its own cask ales and craft kegs, drawing in new customers and earning a reputation as a must-visit venue for beer enthusiasts.
Increased Profitability: By brewing on-site, the pub significantly increased its profit margins on beer sales and created a powerful, unique selling proposition.
A Delighted Client: The owner commented, "I thought brewing in our cellar was just a dream. CASSMAN made it a reality. They didn't just sell us equipment; they solved our biggest problem—space. The compact design is brilliant, and the quality is fantastic. Our pub has been reborn."
The Manchester 500L brewpub project is a testament to CASSMAN's core strength: creative problem-solving. We excel at engineering custom solutions for challenging environments. Our ability to listen to a client's vision and then design a smart, compliant, and efficient system to fit their specific needs—no matter how tight the space—makes us the ideal partner for urban breweries and brewpubs worldwide.
For any space, for any brewing dream, CASSMAN engineers the solution.
