Steam Machine Microbrewery Taproom

The Steam Machine Brew Co. are a unit-based microbrewery taproom that is open to the public. People can come to enjoy a fine pint of one of the brewer’s craft ales, and/or to enjoy some delicious gourmet street food.

The microbrewery is located in the great industrial estate in Newton Aycliffe. They feature an open-spaced indoor “brew room” that provides a social hub for visitors to sit, relax and enjoy their finely brewed beers and other drinks as well as eat some good-quality street food.

The microbrewery taproom is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday every week.

Why You Should Visit The Steam Machine Microbrewery

The environment in this place is like no other microbrewery. It has a cosy, traditional pub-style bar room known as the “brew room” downstairs near the front. Then it has an open-plan area with tables and chairs among the brewery facilities, and this is where live entertainment normally takes place. There is also an upstairs seating area too, and seats and tables outside the unit too.

So there is a bigger choice of seating areas for visitors, and the atmosphere is relaxing, vibrant and rustic.

The microbrewery hosts live entertainment and they even throw exciting special events regularly.

Brew Room- The Taproom

With an impressively large unit, there is plenty of indoor space to enjoy and chill in. They have a chilled out vibe. The main taproom bar is located in their separate, smaller brew room. The brew room has a wood-burning fire smouldering away adding a rustic, warm and friendly element to the area. The main part of the unit is where all the brew action takes place, with the shiny stainless steel vessels standing tall and proud, there are more “up-cycled” tables to sit at. They use old wooden industrial spools as tables in their large indoor seating area and their outdoor space. The live entertainment also takes place here in this room.

Upstairs, there is another smaller bar in a more modern room with yet more tables and comfy sofas to sit and chill. The upstairs room has windows that overlook the main brewing room downstairs.

The kitchen, which is known as the “Brew Pantry” is also located in the main brewing room towards the back, where people can buy some lovely pub grub.

Brew Pantry- The Kitchen

The microbrewery don’t just make their own beer, but they also cater their own food in their kitchen area that is called the “brew pantry”. The food is unique among other street food venues. The food is actually cooked using their beer! An example of some of their gourmet street food includes chicken wings brined in their IPA beer, or cinder toffee made with imperial stout beer. A unique, diverse and extensive menu and the kitchen crew are constantly experimenting new recipes.

The menu also includes vegan options, and people can also buy some food to take away too. The kitchen is also open on the same days the taproom is open, so food will always be on the go at the same time as the drink.

You can view their menu during their opening times on their website here.

Entertainment

They have lots of different varieties of entertainment lined up over the months. From folk musicians to acoustic bands and even proper beer festivals. A steampunk-themed festival is also included as one of their special exciting events in May 2022. Check out what’s going on on their social media page here.

Accessibility

People of all needs and all backgrounds are welcomed at the Steam Machine Brew Co.’s microbrewery taproom. Their range of drinks and food are diversified and their environment is friendly and welcoming to all.

• Wheelchair accessibility. Plenty of space for wheelchairs and pushchairs to move around the downstairs space. There is a lift for access to the upstairs quieter space.
• Disabled toilets. The toilets are easy to access by all people and there is disabled toilets in the facility, near the entrance too.
• Free parking. People can drive and park right outside the unit at any time for as long as need be. This is ideal for people who prefer to rely on lifts than use public transport.
• Public transport. There are bus stops nearby, the town centre of Newton Aycliffe is just a 5-10 minutes walk but there are bus stops in the industrial estate too. There is even a train station about 10 minutes walk away, people can catch a train to/from Bishop Auckland or Darlington.
• Quiet spaces. The bar upstairs is generally quieter and is cut off from the rest of the venue so when there is entertainment on (loud music, crowded and busy) people who want a break are prefer drinking in a quieter environment can do so upstairs.
• Dog-friendly. People can bring their furry friends to the brewery taproom.
• Child-friendly. The venue welcomes people with families who have children. The menu includes smaller snacks and child-friendly options. There are also soft drinks available too.

Other Benefits

• Diverse menu. Their own street food-style menu is very diverse. It includes vegan/vegetarian options, gluten-free dishes as well as a wide range of dishes including sweet dishes and snacks too.
• Diverse bar. The drinks that they brew use all natural ingredients and a lot of their beers are also vegan-friendly and gluten-free. There are also low-alcohol beers and soft drinks for people who want to join in but are driving/have other requirements. Plus, the range of beer styles and types of drinks is wide- from heavier stouts to light lagers, from their own craft beer to ciders and gins.

This microbrewery is a very open-minded, diverse and inclusive venue. If you are interested you can visit their website.

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