North Brewing Co to open 10th venue
North, an Independent Leeds-based brewery, are growing their retail estate with the opening of North Taproom at Circle Square, Manchester.
The taproom, scheduled to open in late 2022, will be North’s tenth venue. Located minutes from Oxford Road station, the site will be housed in a modern glass building.
A menu of contemporary Asian street food by Little Bao Boy will be served alongside an extensive drinks menu.
The 2590 sq. foot taproom will seat 100 covers inside, with room for an additional 30 standing guests. An extensive outdoor seating area overlooks the green event space at Circle Square.
The taproom will have 24 draught lines, including 18 lines of keg beer (and 1 cask), pouring North’s ever-evolving range of core beers, specials and collabs
North co-founder and director John Gyngell said: “Our new bar in Manchester marks a huge milestone for all of us at North. We’ve actually been looking for a Manchester site for the last 25 years and have come very close a number of times!
“Many of the North team have lived, worked or studied in Manchester, and we make a habit of visiting as regularly as possible. The hospitality scene in Manchester has provided tonnes of inspiration over the years, and we can’t wait to bring North to the city.”
Glenfiddich announces Time:Capsule terrace
Glenfiddich and Rosewood have teamed up to launch a whiskey terrace that will launch from November until March 2023.
The Time:Capsule is nestled within Rosewood London hotel, High Holborn, central London. Every detail in the terrace has been designed to create a space where time is slowed down… from the illuminated tunnel leading to the courtyard, to the experience’s every-changing visuals.
Glenfiddich national brand ambassador Alex Walker said: “Glenfiddich and Rosewood London are two iconic brands which know that time can be the ultimate luxury, and this is never truer than in the busy festive period. The Time:Capsule terrace has been carefully designed to offer guests a moment to escape the chaos of daily life and enjoy time with one another, and our spectacular range of single malt Scotch whiskies.’
Pubs Next Door opens 2nd Star site
Pubs Next Door has taken its second pub with Star Pubs & Bars, which opens this week following a £230,000 joint refurbishment.
The project has transformed the north London-based Three Compasses on Hornsey’s high street into a premium local offering food and drink as well as activities ranging from jazz nights to mother and baby quizzes.
The makeover has restored the pub’s exterior – which dates back to 1896 and was designed by architect John Farrer – highlighting architectural features like the rooftop lighthouse.
Stained glass, an old wooden bar and marble surround fireplaces have bene renovated and complemented with heritage colours and fabrics. The overhaul has created booth seating as well as a new raised dining area that can be booked for private functions. A SmartDispense system has also been installed in the cellar.
Pubs Next Door founder Aaron Wilson commented: “I’m in no rush to expand; the most important thing is to find the right sites. A prime location with good passing footfall and the potential for all day trade are critical.
“I’m only looking at leased pubs – freeholds are out of the question as they’re so expensive in London. Ideally all the pubs will be with Star as we’ve built up a great relationship. The leased model has worked well for me over the last decade.
“The rent cuts during the pandemic were fantastic and showed it’s a real partnership. Regular business meetings are also a benefit, challenging my thinking with a fresh perspective and industry insight.”
Village pub off the market
The White Hart in Wood Street village, Surrey, is off the market, according to Fleurets, after being completed to operator Axel Murrie.
On his decision to purchase the pub, Murrie said: “Having spent my career working in hospitality for some great companies, I developed a passion for great food, great drinks and excellent service. It soon became apparent to me I wanted to put my own mark on the industry and start a company of my own.
“I started this journey back in 2019 and in 2020 I was very close to completing on a site in Cobham, but Covid put a stop to my dream. As Covid restrictions started lifting, I pursued my research for the right site, and luckily for me, the White Hart in Wood Street Village was up for sale.
“When I first visited the White Hart back in January 2022, it felt like ‘love at first sight’ and I knew then, it was exactly what I was looking for.”
Along with his business partner Lee Johnson, Axel has no doubt the pub will flourish under new leadership: “We are all sure that our combined experience will see the White Hart into a wonderful new era and we are looking forward to welcoming back existing customers and new.”
Fleurets South divisional director Nick Earee wished the team the very best in making the White Hart a success once again.
Hydes ploughs £100k into village pub
Hydes Brewery has reopened the Golden Lion in Rossett, Wrexham, following an extensive £100,000 refurbishment.
The transformation of the premium dining pub includes new bathroom facilities, newly configured bar areas, the opening up of a doorway entrance previously closed for more than 20 years, and a complete refresh of the exterior building, including new lighting and oak signage.
There’s also been a refresh of the pub’s 40-seater teepee, which includes new flooring, in time for the winter months.
Hydes Brewery managing director said: “It’s great to see the Golden Lion open again with a cosy brand new look and feel, just in time for the festive period. As a very popular pub and one that really does play a crucial role in the community to which it belongs, we’re confident that customers old and new are going to enjoy our premium food and drink offering in our newly refurbished venue in very picturesque village surroundings.
“Hydes is fully committed to all of the pubs across its estate and this latest round of investment is part of an ongoing programme of multiple redesigns and refurbishments. Providing our customers with a first-class experience is a key priority and with premium dining destination venues such as the Golden Lion.”
Operator Allan Parrington, who also doubles as the village Father Christmas, added: “This pub is an integral part of the community it serves so I’m excited to see it receive some investment to make it an even more memorable visit for customers.
“The pivotal role it plays in giving local people somewhere to come and enjoy a warm welcome with such a first-class food and drink offering is very important to the whole team. This investment broadens the appeal greatly and will allow customers, existing and new, to fully enjoy the atmosphere, surroundings and quality experience on offer.”
Salt to open 8th taproom
Craft and cask beer brewer Salt will open its eighth taproom this autumn with plans for a ninth mooted too – both in the business’s heartland of Yorkshire.
The new bar will open in Oakwood, Roundhay, north Leeds, and will feature four cask ales and seven craft beers, including its popular Jute Session IPA, new pale ale Loom and Yon lager.
Salt operates taprooms in Saltaire, where its brewery is based; East Parade, Leeds; Granary Wharf, Leeds; Boston Spa, Wetherby; Kelham Island, Sheffield; and two in London at Woolwich and Deptford.
There will also be eight classic cocktails on draught so they can be poured quickly yet retain their quality.
Residents of the popular Leeds suburb will also be able to indulge in comfort food courtesy of Big Buns, who will be taking over the kitchen. The independent burger brand will serve dry-aged grass-fed patties, buttermilk wings and loaded fries.
Menu highlights include the Big Daddy Don’ner Burger, topped with gourmet donner meat, the Clucky Blue Cheeseburger and the Planty Smash Loaded Fries, topped with vegan smash burger patty.
Salt founder Jamie Lawson, who also owns cask ale producer Ossett Brewery that has a 31-strong pub estate, said: “Given the resurgence we’ve seen in Oakwood as the place to go in north Leeds, taking Salt there was a no-brainer.”
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