City news
Laine Pub Co to take brewing operation "to the next level"
Chief executive Gavin George told MCA that the move showed the extent of Laine’s ambitions as a craft brewer as well as a rapidly expanding pubco.
The move will also see Laine take on responsibility for beer dispense throughout its pub estate and for the sale of Laine’s beer products into the off-trade.
The group, which is backed by Luke Johnson’s Risk Capital Partners, is set to commence production on its new 65 hectolitre (40 BBLs) plant near Horsham in September. It will have the capacity to produce 30,000 pints a week.
Microbreweries
Laine, which currently operates four microbreweries, recently appointed Jack Hibberd, previously commercial director at Truman’s Brewery, as the first director of its beer business.
George told MCA: “It’s a really exciting development for Laine’s. We’ve been building a reputation as a brewer as well as a pub operator and now we can take that to the next level.
“Because we will be growing the number of taps quite considerably we will have to take the tech services around that in-house so it’s a big development for us.
USA
“This is about engaging with the customers through our beer and being able to maintain control of pricing and quality as we grow. The Americans do this kind of thing fantastically well and I always think we can learn a lot from them.”
Hibberd said: “ “I was amazed by the individuality, creativity and independent spirit of Laine’s pubs when I came here” said Hibberd “and I see it as our task to deliver a range of beers that compliments these engaging drinking environments.
"The permanent and experimental lines produced by the new brewery and the four microbreweries will be original, creative, high quality and great tasting “
