Gastro future for former Archers brewery
The former Archers Brewery in Swindon is to undergo a £1.5m transformation and re-open as a gastropub complete with microbrewery.
Archers went into administration in March 2009 and has been closed ever since, but Anthony and Allyson Windle, who also run the Three Crowns in nearby Brink-worth, acquired the premises in November last year.
The Windles now hope to re-open the premises, under the name the Weighbridge Brewhouse, on 12 August.
The couple have managed to coax former Archers brewer and Society of Independent Brewers founding member Mark Wallington out of retirement to brew a range of four beers.
However, the beers will not carry the Archers name — that was snapped up by Evan-Evans brewery in Llandeilo, Wales.
High quality food will be served in the 105-cover main bar and 50-cover lounge area. There will also be a fine dining area for 36 on a mezzanine level. All butchery will be carried out on site.
"It is a mammoth project and the aim is to create a high-quality offering with great food and a good selection of wines, beers and ciders," said Anthony Windle.
"It is not going to be cheap and cheerful. We will use fresh ingredients and make all our own bread, beer and ice cream. It is something new for Swindon."
