A couple’s independent brewery, which is benefiting from the rising popularity of craft beers, is to open its own shop.

The East London Brewing Company, based in Fairways Business Park, Leyton, is run by Stuart Lascelles, 45, and his wife Claire Ashbridge-Tomlinson.

The enterprise was launched in 2012 with a pale ale after Mr Lascelles said he became disenchanted with his job as an industrial chemist and decided to turn his hobby into a career.

The company then began producing a bitter and a year later, the couple took on staff and expanded into another building.

It has since launched Nightwatchman, a dark bitter; Jamboree, a golden ale; Quadrant, an oatmeal stout; and Orchid, a vanilla-flavoured mild.

The company is also planning to open its own shop later this month.

Mr Lascelles said: “We’re delighted at how much our beers are appreciated by a growing amount of customers.

“These are mostly in the London area but also further afield.

Last week the business was visited by representatives of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) to celebrate its success.

Mr Lascelles added: “We must also thank CAMRA for the support and encouragement of its members. We and they are united by a passion for traditional English beers.

“We’re planning innovative beers to add to our existing beers.”