Castle Rock, the Nottinghamshire-based brewer and pub operator, has developed a new pub concept focused on world beers that could be rolled out to at least half its estate, and possibly further via franchise, M&C Report has learnt.
The concept called Discover World Beers, which features at least 150 world beers and 10 draught keg lines, is to be introduced to the Canalhouse in Nottingham, which will be labelled Discover World Beers @ The Canalhouse.
Castle Rock hopes to introduce the concept to the Kings Head in Lace Market, Leeds, and the Lincolnshire Poacher in Nottingham, among others. It follows trials in a number of sites.
“I think that we would earmark at least half of our estate for it as we grow,” managing director Colin Wilde told M&C Report.
“It’s a natural progression for us really. We’ve always sold world beers, however I think the revolution that’s coming over from the US really made us prick our ears up and made us think we might be left behind with a fast moving market sector.
“We are trying to take people on a journey with us. We are taking beer to a wider market.”
Wilde added that he would consider franchising the concept to a third party.
It follows the opening of Castle Rock’s first dedicated “World Beer Bar” above the Swan and Rushes in Loughborough, called the Hop Loft, on 3 October.
