AN AVIATION-themed brewery is taking off amid a craft beer and ale revolution across the city.  

Black Box Brewery in Aviation Way brewed its first beer just nine months ago.

The brewery – Southend’s third independent brewer – has opened a taproom where it serves its selection of seven beers and ales along with spirits and wine.

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Just a throwing stone’s distance from Southend Airport, all seven of  Black Box’s drinks have aviation themed names: First Class, Auto Pilot, Golden Wings, Landing Gear, Lost Luggage, Ground Speed, and Bird Strike.

Director Mark Dane says he and co-directors Chris barrow, Tom Ryan, were inspired to open the brewery to meet the “ever-increasing” demand for locally brewed beers and ales in Southend and Rochford.

“People are very taken with these smaller, niche local breweries where they can find unique and interesting drinks that have been crafted with care,” Mr Dane said.

“Many are bored with the same old normal pints you can get on tap in most chain pubs.

“With the Leigh on Sea Brewing company and George’s, both who make great beers, and now us, who also make great beer, there is a bit of a mini craft beer revolution underway in the Southend area.”

An officially launch event was held for the breweries new tap room at the end of September.

The tap room features Southend Airport and aviation memorabilia and trinkets, such as real black boxes, engines, and other hardware.

“It’s a nice bar, with a slightly industrial feel and a very good atmosphere,” Mr Dane said.

“Our tap room has been a hit since we opened it, but we are a little tucked away here in the airport, so we wanted to get the word out that there is a new place in Southend to enjoy quality beers.”

Black Box joins Leigh on Sea Brewing Company, which runs The Legra Tap and Kitchen as  a joint venture in London Road and George’s Brewery which runs Mawson’s Micropub in Southchurch Road, as one of the three brewers in the Southend area.