Signature Brew looks to raise £400,000 for new brewery
The campaign, which has been running for a short time, went public today (15 October) after more than £80,000 was raised. A total of £50,000 was raised within three days of launching.
Tom Bott, founder of the East London brewery - which was named the Society of Independent Brewers’ Brewery Business of the Year this year - revealed the campaign exclusively to The Morning Advertiser.
“We’re crowdfunding for the next step in our business,” he said. “We’re moving site and installing a new brewhouse which is going to help us meet demand and future-proof the brewery.”
Currently Signature Brew is running at full capacity, double brewing most days on a 10 barrel kit, and needs to increase production capabilities to keep up with demand, he explained.
’10 barrel kit’
“We have had our 10 barrel kit for three years and it’s served us well, but we’re running it to maximum capacity now.
“The bulk of investment will buy a new brewhouse and we will triple our capacity.”
Signature Brew’s current brewing business is spread across three trading units in East London, but this will be condensed to one large one when the crowdfunding target is reached.
A new canning line is being brought into the existing operation, which will be transferred to the new site at a later date.
“We’re eventually going to close down the current site, we’re looking to sell off our current kit to balance the books, but ideally we’d like to use the existing set up as an experimental brewery,” Bott added.
Launched its first taproom
Meanwhile, Signature Brew launched its first taproom in Haggerston, East London, in September.
The bar’s launch was something of a surprise, as it was not really spoken about in the run up to opening.
A statement on Signature Brew’s website said: “The bar also boasts London's only dedicated space for live music photography and we're kicking it off with award-winning photographer Andy Ford who's exhibiting work from across his career, featuring the likes of Childish Gambino, Charli XCX, Manic Street Preachers and our collaborators in Slaves, Heck and more.
“We hope our taproom embodies our passion, independence and artistry, while bringing our love of beer and music closer than ever before.”
