AFTER months of anticipation the Rhymney Brewery visitor centre is open to the public.

The Free Press was treated to the first public tour of the innovative new brewing centre and visitor facility based on the Gilchrist Thomas Industrial Estate, Bleanavon.

The head brewery, Tim Roderick, who has worked for the company for four years, was proud to show off the facility.

He explained that the family-run Rhymney Brewery, which was based in Merthyr Tydfil for seven years, relocated to the site next to Big Pit in hope to expand its total beer production by 30% over the next three years.

Through the visitor centre, they want to educate the public in how real-ale is crafted.

He said: "We have a viewing platform so that visitors can watch the brewing process, they can also watch testing going on in the lab, and there are plenty of displays for families to read, touch and even smell."

Visitors can see and touch the raw ingredients, smell the different ales in specially designed smelling boxes and watch short films on the brewery's history, dating back to the 1800's.

Mr Roderick said: "We aim to make it a family experience. There is plenty for children to have a go of including a virtual pint-pulling machine and there are picture opportunities on the hobby horse.

"Although not all the processes will be happening everyday, sometimes brewing, sometimes bottling, there will always be something to watch and we will be on hand to answer any questions."

The company hopes to attract between 20,000 and 30,000 new visitors to the area a year, through its visitor centre where people can learn about the history of the brewery through timelines and displayed memorabilia. He added: "After discovering the visitor centre, you can top it all off with a souvenir from the gift shop and a refreshment in our bar."

The £1 million brewery and visitor centre will be open to visitors Monday to Sunday, 11am- 6.30pm.

The company plans to produce 1.15 million bottles of ale, including Rhymney Dark and Hobby Horse each year from the facility, which started brewing in Blaenavon in January this year.

Entry to the visitor centre is £5 per adult with a free £2.50 pint, or bottle of beer to take away. A child is £3 with a free soda. For more information call 01685 722253.