SOMETHING special is brewing in Upper Swanmore.

A new microbrewery called Broken Bridge Brewing has been making waves since it started.

Head brewer and proprietor Jim Fullegar, 26, has been busy mastering the craft and the new brewery is very much a family affair.

Mr Fullegar’s father Charlie built the grain hopper, installed the cold store and did the plumbing, Jim’s mother Sue and his 75-year-old grandmother Joy all help out.

The new microbrewery produces about 400 litres of ale six times a month.

Its flagship ale is called It’s 5 O’ Clock Somewhere” (five per cent) which is a modern American Pale Ale brewed with rye and Vienna malts, and predominantly cascade and Chinook hops.

Mr Fullegar learned the brewing process in the Flowerpots brewery at Cheriton and Red Cat brewery in Winchester.

He said: “We are used to working together and previously had another business running the village shop in Meonstoke, where I still help out. We are well known in the area and that is why we are getting such tremendous support.”

Ales from the brewery were showcased at the award-winning The Guide Dog pub in Southampton.

They were a huge success and within two days they had sold out. And they also sold out at the Hampshire Bowman Beer Festival.