IT MAY seem odd that, at a time when we are being told pubs up and down the country are closing at an alarming rate due to disappearing customers, the number of independent breweries opening up is rising.

In Kent alone microbreweries have doubled over the past two years to 21.

There are a number of reasons for this.

First and foremost, it would appear the public's taste buds are switching back in favour of traditional ales, with their distinctive flavours and aromas, and away from volume lagers.

A second powerful factor came with the introduction of Progressive Beer Duty by Gordon Brown in 2002.

This was effectively a 50 per cent tax concession to brewers who produce less than 5,000 hectare litres (500,000 litres) per annum – to encourage variety and competition.

By common consent, this initiative has worked well and has been crucial for newcomers.

Simon Lewis, owner of The Royal Tunbridge Wells Brewing Company and tenant of The Bedford Arms in the town centre, said: "It has undoubtedly been an encouragement and has helped us to get going.

"The brewery started trading in May 2010 and we are on target with our original budgets.

"We are looking to move into profit at the end of year two."

The idea of taking over The Bedford Arms came from Greene King, and Mr Lewis said it means he can now offer a wide range of beers from independent brewers, including his own.

The lure of owning a micro-brewery has attracted some interesting newcomers.

Paul Bournazian, started up Tonbridge Brewery, in Tudeley, in his double garage in April last year with a £40,000 investment.

At the moment he is a one-man band, brewing the beer, managing the finances and delivering to 25 pubs and clubs.

"More pubs are moving towards selling real ale to accommodate public demand," he said.

Because of the increased variety now available, it was possible to serve a beer to suit virtually any market, he added.

Airline pilot Marcus Howes only produced his first pint commercially last May from his Black Cat Brewery at his Groombridge home.

His £17,000 investment in equipment (also installed in the garage) has already produced award-winning ales and he now supplies six free house pubs.

"I love it, especially when I receive favourable comments back," he said.

He has already agreed with his employer, Monarch Airlines, to go part-time from this coming May to concentrate on Black Cat.

And former investment banker Robert Wicks has enjoyed remarkable success since starting the Westerham Brewery in 2004.

With eight staff, it is Kent's second largest brewery after Shepherd Neame in Faversham which, as Britain's oldest brewery, dates back to the 16th century.

About 95 per cent of the hops he uses come from Kent, some of which are grown at Scotney Castle near Tunbridge Wells.

He supplies about 300 pubs, clubs and restaurants within a 30- mile radius of his home and is currently enjoying something of a boom.

He said: "Our December sales were up by 25 per cent and annual turnover is running at around £850,000.

"In terms of popularity, real ale now accounts for around 16 per cent of the market, up from a low point of 12 per cent.

"While that is encouraging, you have to compare that with a 50 per cent market share in the 1940s and 1950s."