West Berkshire Brewery has secured its first pub – Shillibeer’s in Islington - MCA has learnt.
The group has also reached heads of terms on its new brewery site in Yattendon, which will feature a shop, complete with bar and beer garden.
Chief executive Simon Lewis told MCA the pub would act as a showcase for its Renegade Brewery brand, which could also be incorporated into the name. He said the pub would also champion small brewers without a foothold in London.
WBB is understood to have paid a six-figure premium for the 5,000 sq ft pub, which has a passing rent of £50,000.
The pub will be managed by the City Pub Company EIS Fund, which was co-founded by WBB chairman David Bruce.
The acquisition of the lease for Shillibeer’s will be funded by the £4m being raised by WBB, which also go towards a new brewery and a new Renegade range. The latest part of the fundraising is a £1.5m crowdfund through Seedrs, which has now been extended to 14 June.
Lewis said: “We have been looking for the right pub for a long time but Shillibeer’s couldn’t be more perfect. It’s absolutely steeped in character and I can’t think of a better place to show off our beers.”
Bruce added: “This is a real turning point for us at West Berkshire Brewery. We are thrilled to have secured such a fantastic site in one of London’s most exciting areas. For the first time we can proudly serve our beers directly to customers. Our pub will be full of atmosphere and showcase a stunning range of beers and ciders from all over the world, including those we make ourselves. It will really put our brewery on the map.
“We’re just as excited to have signed an agreement for our new brewery. We have a fabulous brewing team who are full of ideas and our new equipment will enable them to let their creativity loose. It also means that we can significantly increase our production, allowing us to spread our wings further than our current distribution heartland; it’s truly an exciting time.”
