BOSSES at Sadler’s Brewery in Lye were joined by TV star Eamonn Holmes as they raised a glass to toast the opening of their new premises.

Managing director Chris Sadler and his team have spent the last eight months and more than £500,000 turning an industrial unit on the Conyers Trading Estate in Station Drive into the new Sadler’s Brewhouse and Bar.

Invited guests crammed in to the see the new venue officially opened today (Thursday) by Sky News Sunrise presenter Eamonn Holmes who has become a fan of the firm.

Mr Holmes, who also visited the Lye brewing company back in September, described the new premises next to Lye Railway Station as “an amazing facility” and he said: “There was hardly anything here last September and six months on it looks like this, as if it’s always been here. It feels established and mature.”

He said came to hear about family firm Sadler’s, which runs the Windsor Castle at Lye Cross, as his son brews designer real ales.

Chris Sadler, a fifth generation Sadler who resurrected the historic Black Country brewing firm ten years ago after the brand had lain dormant for many years, said he was delighted to have the support of the TV star who made a purpose trip from London for the opening after filming his breakfast news show.

Mr Sadler, aged 32, said the new venture has created eight new jobs and he added: “It feels good, it holds the people well and it’s somewhere very new and a bit different for the area – the nearest thing to it is going to be Birmingham or London.”

He said the venue, which is open to the public on Thursday evenings and Friday and Saturday from 12 until 12, stocks a range of craft and keg real ales and will also be serving American inspired craft food, all of which is infused with Sadler’s ales .

He added: “Even the cheese on our nachos has got beer in it.”

Live music, comedy nights and beer tasting events will also be held at the venue which also boasts a brewery shop “so people can in and buy beers to take home and enjoy”.

Lye councillor Pete Lowe, leader of Dudley Council, described the facility as “absolutely bostin’” and he added:” I honestly now believe we’ve got the best breweries in the whole of the country here in the Black Country.”