West, the Scottish brewer and site operator is planning to open a large multi-purpose venue in Edinburgh next year as well as an all-day bar concept on the West coast of Scotland, M&C has learnt.
The group is currently in negotiations on a c.8,000sq ft site in Edinburgh, which will incorporate a bar, restaurant, microbrewery and event space.
Petra Wetzel, who runs the group, told M&C she is concurrently working with an architect on a project on the west coast of Scotland - half an hour from Glasgow - which will be called West on the Shore.
Meanwhile it has acquired an additional 12,000sq ft at its Glasgow Green brewery site to increase the brewing capacity by eight times its current output. This is expected to come online by October to meet brewing demands.
As well as brewing, the company is taking extra space in the Templeton Building to accommodate for demand for weddings and events to be hosted in the building, which was modelled on Doge’s Palace in Venice.
“This year and next year are big years for us - but I say that every year. It has been a whirlwind of a ride for us as a business as people are responding really well to the quality of our beers and the service.”
The most recently added venue West on the Corner re-opened in May following major refurbishment to transform the space from a traditional pub to an all-day bar concept serving food and coffee as well as WEST’s beers throughout the day and evening.
Wetzel said the response to the site has been positive and attracted a new cliental of families, groups, couples and people using the space to work during the day.
