BrewDog has updated on its bars pipeline for 2017, including confirming the belated opening of Dalston Hopworks and plans for a second site for the brew-your-own beer concept.
As part of a series of blogposts about its plans for 2017, the Scottish brewer and pub operator also said it would be rolling out direct-draw cellar systems across its estate, after a successful trial in Southampton. Pioneered in the US, direct-draw systems keep the beer in the chilled keg until the moment it is served, when it is pushed through a short line to the tap. The group has also set itself the target of only serving Punk IPA on draft in its pubs that is a maximum of two weeks old.
There are plans for more small batch beers across the bars and general managers will be given more autonomy on choosing guest beers.
The group also said it is planning more of its BottleDog takeaway elements in its bars, as well as its first craft beer vending machine.
In terms of bar openings, BrewDog said it expects its next London bar – in Homerton – to launch next month, followed by its York site by Christmas.
It also said its high-profile Dalston Hopworks project – a bar, BottleDog, tasting room and pilot brew kits for the public, was still going ahead, with a launch planned for the first quarter of 2017. When the project was unveiled at the start of this year, the plan was to open in April. The group said it was already looking for a second site for the Hopworks project in Scotland.
Finally, BrewDog said it would add to the vegetarian and vegan options in its bars as part of a further focus on food menus. It will also launch its Lone Wolf spirits into its bars.
