THE NEW ECO CELLAR

Over 2 years ago a 90 ton rig was used to push 32 x 21 metre piles into the bottom of the Luppitt greensand. After preparing a base, the steel frame was erected and each wall built up with special clay blocks purposely chosen for their thermal and acoustic dampening properties. 

The grass (sedum) roof was added in January ‘09, the inside lime rendered and the exterior wooden clad. On the top floor, Microdat have installed a cask washing system (much like a mini carwash) that works in tandem with a cask filler on the lower floor. These are linked by a special lift system, bespoke to us, that brings the casks back above ground before being loaded onto the trucks.

Now, two years on - and capable of holding 5,000 casks - this huge green project is now up and running. The building itself sits underground and cleverly uses the earth's core temperature to naturally cool the lower level of the cellar to 12°C - the ideal temperature for storing cask ale.

A set of inner and outer doors creates an airlock on the north side of the cellar to prevent temperature fluctuations. The whole cathedral-like structure has been capped with a massive living sedum roof that acts like a living sponge to store rainwater.

The roof water will be captured and then used for washing and other domestic maintenance. The living roof not only provides a haven for wildlife but also helps to blend the building into the natural habitat of the surrounding Blackdown Hills - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The intelligent design will save approximately 6½ tonnes of CO₂ emissions per annum -the equivalent of removing 8 chillers and compressors. In a very short time this will zero rate the new cellar in terms of carbon emission.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the main purpose of the new cellar is, of course, to provide us with a perfect environment to store beer, before we send it out to the pubs.  I hope the ‘karma' of this new cave can only add to the quality of the beers!