Australasian food and drink company Lion has opened a new microbrewery in the UK for its Australian craft beer brand Little Creatures.

Located in London, the facility sees Little Creatures continue to expand its presence in overseas markets with venues now in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Taipei and Auckland.

The brewery will showcase a selection of Little Creatures craft beers and will run special collaborations with London-based breweries such as Fourpure Brewing, which Lion bought last July.

Lion, which is owned by Kirin Holdings, added that the brewery acts as a “key gateway” to the UK and further afield to Europe.

Toby Knowles, Lion regional director for UK and Europe, said: “We’re proud that a UK home for Little Creatures has been founded in one of the world’s most popular cities, where the brand’s values of individuality, adventure and inclusiveness will be right at home.

“London has been home to a real renaissance in world-class craft breweries in recent years and it’s exciting to bring Little Creatures to such a vibrant market.”

He added: “Our aim for this venue is to further enrich the UK craft community, meeting the rising demand for diverse, premium craft experiences. Following the success of recent site launches in Asia, we can’t wait to introduce Little Creatures to UK consumers and to establish a spiritual home for the brand in London.”

Lion highlighted the potential of the UK craft beer market, describing it as “one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing”. Last month, the firm – owner of Australian beer brands XXXX and Tooheys – acquired UK-based Magic Rock Brewing Company.

Lion launched its international unit in 2015 to take the company’s Australian and New Zealand craft beers and ciders into new markets and accelerate the growth of its wine business in North America.

This year, the company has expanded outside the beer segment, acquiring a 50% stake in Australia-based Four Pillars Gin and buying New Zealand brand Teza Iced Teas.