Cains to add pubs after £50m development plan
Development of the site would increase brewing capacity by 300%, taking production up to about 25,000 barrels a year.
The aim is to develop the brewery site into a national visitor destination. The scheme, called Brewery Village, would see the restoration of the Grade II-listed building that houses the Cains craft brewery.
The building would also house a circa 100-room boutique hotel, digital work studios and a large open-plan delicatessen-style food market and restaurant for independent artisan producers. There would be a spa, gym, function rooms, four-screen art-house cinema, food store and apartments. The existing Brewery Tap pub would be restored.
Cains expects to submit a planning application and application for listed building consent by the end of July. Provided that consent is granted, work would start next spring.
Dusanj said: “We want to create a major new tourism and leisure asset for the city, which would secure the future of the Cains beer brand for decades to come.”
He expressed admiration for the way Everards is working with artisan food producers, and also how BrewDog is aiding the expansion of craft beer. “That’s where the trend is — it’s great food and great beer.”
Dusanj said the development would be funded via a joint venture with developers once planning consent had been achieved.
Cains has eight pubs. Asked if the company was looking for more, Dusanj said: “Down the line, yes. But at this stage it’s about putting the new craft brewery in.”
