Knowing what load is going to be supported by said beam would be one of
your prerequisites.

Is this a load bearing wall? What is is made out of?


It is a solid brick wall (single thickness) supporting a similarly sized
wall above. The joists upstairs run parallel to it, as do those in the loft,
so I assume there is no load from the floors on it?

The wall is between my kitchen and dining room, I wish to make a
kitchen-diner.

The calcs need to satisfy a building officer!

Thanks

Andrew