The burgeoning trade in locally produced beers saw a new premium bitter launched today, named after a popular tourist attraction.Stuart Evans moved his business Uncle Stuart's Brewery and Beer Shop to Wroxham Barns a month ago and has already seen a significant jump in trade.

The burgeoning trade in locally produced beers saw a new premium bitter launched this week, named after a popular tourist attraction.

Stuart Evans moved his business Uncle Stuart's Brewery and Beer Shop to Wroxham Barns a month ago and has already seen a significant jump in trade.

To officially mark the opening, on Monday he launched Wroxham Barns Bitter as his new hand-crafted brew, to join other labels including Strumpshaw Fen, Local Hero (Nelson), North Norfolk Beauty, Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral.

Mr Evans' relocation and expansion from his previous shop at Blofield's Leisure Village has had a big impact in the first few weeks: 'It's literally blossoming; it is a very good place to be doing what we are doing.

'It's all about location, most of the people coming to the barns are on holiday or locals out for the day - and what they find is both relaxing and welcoming, so they are happy to spend their money.

'We are very excited about where the business is going, I've had a smile on my face pretty much permanently since we got here.'

A family business, Mr Evans' mother Christine, sister Debbie and niece Lucy are all involved selling both their own brands and those of around 15 other brewers, mostly from Norfolk and some from Suffolk. In total the product range includes around 100 types of bottled beer.

The business began at Mr Evans' home in Lingwood in 2002 supplying only to trade customers. The retail side moved to Blofield in 2006, but the entire business has now moved to Wroxham Barns, which is between Wroxham and Tunstead.

It is just one success story in the local brewing world - when Mr Evans started, he worked out he was the 14th brewery in Norfolk. Now just seven years later there are 27 breweries in the county.

'People recognise the quality of local products, they love the products and flavours - and there is always a space for more to come,' said Mr Evans.

Uncle Stuart's beer uses East Anglian malted barley from Crisp near Fakenham and Muntons at Stowmarket.

Ian Russell, director of Wroxham Barns, said: 'Last December, Stuart mentioned that he would really like to move his brewery to Wroxham Barns.

'His beers have always gone down well in the restaurant and the brewery complements our Apple Shop which sells Norfolk cider and apple juice.'

Wroxham Barns is open daily 10am to 5pm.