How Brewdog is expanding and consolidating its footprint of bars in the South East of England
The South East of England has become a key area targeted for growth by Scottish craft beer chain Brewdog who plans to open new bars in a number of locations including Basingstoke and Canterbury.
An expanding business, this Scottish craft beer company has grown rapidly throughout the UK since its launch in 2006. In 2008, the founders, James Watt and Martin Dickie applied to go on Dragons Den searching for £100,000 investment in exchange for 20% equity.
After a screen test, the producers turned them down after a screen trial commenting that Brewdog was ‘not unique enough, special enough or with enough growth potential to make the grade’. Opting for alternative funding routes mainly crowdfunding via 130,000 Equity Punks, the business is now believed to be worth around £1.5 billion.
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It has 100 bars located throughout the UK and overseas, with locations like Bath, Ealing, Exeter, Plymouth being mentioned. Bournemouth was their first Dorset bar, opening last February. Founder James Watt states, “We grew 11% in 2020, and 21% in 2021, and want to build the world’s leading beer brand.”
Although unwilling to discuss its long term plans, Brewdog has admitted that it is in the process of expanding its outlet numbers in the area.
Basingstoke
Basingstoke has become its most recently opened outlet. Having been searching for a suitable site in Basingstoke for over a year, Brewdog opted for a unit within the popular Festival Place Shopping Centre, in Potters Walk.
A very central location, it is only five minutes walk from Basingstoke train station and there is parking on site.
Canterbury
Brewdog has stated that it plans to open a bar in Canterbury, but is not saying where. There have been unconfirmed reports that the company will be a flagship tenant in the new £115m Riverside shopping complex located near the Kingsmead Road, which is being created by the City Council. This would form Brewdog’s first bar in Kent.
These two new units join an existing network of bars across the South East.
Reading
Brewdog’s Castle Street, Reading bar opened in 2018.
A dog friendly bar, it is housed in a prominent cream stonework building on one of the oldest streets in Reading. The large bar has 29 taps serving Brewdog, guest beers and Hawkes Cider. The upstairs beer hall complete with its own bar is frequently hired out for group events. The wood panelled tables and bar, complete with stripped back walls create a friendly atmosphere in which visitors can enjoy a drink and a meal.
Typical beers on offer have included Marlene on the Wall wheat beer, Hazy Jane Guava and Man Chester Cornucopia New England IPA.
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Oxford
In Oxford, Brewdog trades from a unit on Cowley Road. Brewdog has been in Oxford since 2017, and offers a wide range of draught beers, draught ciders, bottles and cans. The tap list can include specials such as Prototype Pecan & Toffee Stout, Man Chester Wrapped in Cherry and Pulp Patriot Mixed Berry IPA milkshake style.
Brighton
Down on the coast in Brighton, Brewdog operates from a contemporary, industrial style unit close to the iconic Royal Pavilion. With 30 taps available, there is always a wide choice of drinks including non-alcoholic ones like Elvis AF.
Southampton
Over in Southampton, Brewdog opened its modern, contemporary two floor bar in a renovated building complete with fireplaces and brick exterior in 2016. Located in the northern part of the city, near the Solent University and Sea City museum, it has 21 taps for draught beers together with cans and bottles. In addition to the usual wings and burgers, here are charcuterie and cheese boards plus a very popular pizza menu such as Salami Origami, and the bar staff frequently suggest pizza & beer pairings
