Beer
Craft Beer Co to expand in London after reporting double-digit growth
Last month the company traded up 15.5% across its estate, while like-for-like sales went up by 8.4% after opening its latest site in Limehouse, East London, and the first year of trading at its site in the City.
Craft Beer Co managing director and founder Martin Hayes said: “It’s been a great year for us. Not only have our existing sites traded very well, but our St Mary Axe site has blown away expectations in year one and the new site in Limehouse has hit the ground running.”
‘Instant success’
“The instant success of Limehouse has forced our hand to start phase two there earlier than we’d anticipated, which will result in us redeveloping the first floor to add trading space.
“What has perhaps been more satisfying is the performance of our established sites, with one being 13.5% up like-for-like 2016 over 2015, proving to me that there’s plenty left in the market for the right offer.”
Hayes said the company was planning to expand across London in the next year.
He added: “The trick, as always, is to find the right deals and not overpay.
“I’ll look to spend a lot of time searching for landlords who share our desire to build a long-term relationship.
“The offer works in a very diverse range of areas already, so we can literally open anywhere, but London is where we will focus.”
‘Celebration of great beers’
The Craft100 beer festival took place for the second year in October after 4,000 people attended the event at the company’s Clapham site in 2015.
Many breweries took part in the event, including Welsh company Tiny Rebel, Magic Rock and Wild Beer Co.
We're off! The guys are excited! #Craft100pic.twitter.com/TgijM9PnYx
— The Craft Beer Co. (@thecraftbeerco) October 6, 2016
Hayes said: “This is truly a celebration of great beers from around the UK alongside some very special guests from across the globe.”
