The controlling interest in a Cumbrian brewery has been bought by the UK’s largest independent drinks company.

Liverpool-based Halewood Wines & Spirits, signed the investment deal with Hawkshead Brewery.

Following the investment, the brewery is now set to build a new brewery to expand production as well as new routes to market for its popular craft beers.

The investment in Hawkshead Brewery also marks Halewood’s first move into the UK brewing industry.

Hawkshead Brewery joins a small group of north west craft drinks producers including Crabbie’s, Lambrini and Whitley Neill under the Halewood umbrella.

The group includes another Cumbrian company, Willow Water, a mineral water producer near Cartmel.

Brewery founder Alex Brodie said: “Demand for our beers exceeds our ability to supply.

“We have gone about as far as we can on our own. This partnership with Halewood will allow us to grow and fulfil our potential.

“I am convinced that Halewood share our values, we have had a long negotiation and I believe that this deal gives Hawkshead a way of getting significant investment without being absorbed into ‘big beer.’”

He added: “Halewood sees small, craft and premium as the future. And they are Northern. I like that.”

Specific terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but the business will continue to operate independently with Mr Brodie as the managing director as well as the whole Hawkshead team.

Chief executive of Halewood, Stewart Hainsworth, said: “Hawkshead Brewery will continue to operate independently of the Halewood Group, under Alex’s leadership, with Halewood as its main distributor and investor.

“Hawkshead brews great beers.

“We are delighted to help them carry on doing what they are so passionate about.”