Meantime Brewery work underway
Meantime Brewery has officially signed the deal with Greenwich Foundation for a new brewery and bistro operation in Greenwich.
The Old Brewery will from part of a £6m education and interpretation centre at the Old Royal Naval College.
Greenwich Foundation chief executive Duncan Wilson hammered the first bung into the wooden cask of beer to be filled with a new 8.8%abv Belgian Abbey-style ale, which will be tapped at the brewery's opening in early 2010.
The Old Brewery will occupy the same site as the brewhouse built in 1717 to supply beer to the pensioned sailors of the seamen's hospital.
Work has already begun and is expected to be finished by the 10th anniversary of Meantime's very first brew.
Meantime founder and head brewer Alastair Hook said. "Discover Greenwich is an amazing opportunity to tell the one million plus visitors who come here every year the great story of brewing in London — the city that was the brewing capital of the world.
"Here, visitors will be able to see the brewing process, enjoy an astonishing range of beers, which we are going to produce as we recreate historic long-gone beers and innovative new beers, as well as learn about the history and cultural significance of beer and brewing - all right at the heart of one of the most history-laden locations in the country."
Duncan Wilson aded: "The Old Brewery is the real thing. The existing structure formed part of a brewery built to supply the retired and injured sailors with their daily ration of beer.
"Once again we will be brewing beer on the same site and, rather than retired sailors, we will be refreshing visitors to Greenwich and local residents. The Old Brewery will be a great complement to the new interpretation displays and services for our visitors."
