Brew York has announced ambitious plans to add a further five venues to its managed estate over the next few years, with a first deal now agreed.
Brew York founders Lee Grabham and Wayne Smith
The York-based brewery has acquired three new venues via an agreement with established operator Market Town Taverns. This move marks a new phase of growth for the brewery as it continues to stride beyond its home ground.
The new Brew York bars will be:
- The Mitre, Knaresborough. Close to Waterside and Knaresborough Viaduct — one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks — and adjacent to the town’s grade II listed train station, The Mitre boasts a large central bar, function room, outdoor seating area, and luxurious letting rooms.
- The Horse & Farrier, Otley. Situated in the centre of the thriving market town, The Horse and Farrier is a stone-built pub with luxurious letting rooms, function room, outdoor area, and an impressive real fire.
- Coopers, Guiseley. Nestled in the heart of the town, Coopers is a modern-styled bar converted from a former Co-operative store and is known for being host to the long-established Top Banana Comedy Club.
The current plans are to take over all three in late April and, as the three venues are all established and well-appointed, Brew York won’t be making significant changes. Brew York beers will become the bar offer — across traditional handpull cask and keg, including lager — and the street food offer that has been a winning formula across the existing Brew York venues will be introduced.
All Brew York beers are brewed in York either at the original brewery on Walmgate or at the main production facility in Osbaldwick, so the three venues will be a true showcase of Yorkshire beer.
The venue expansion has been on the cards for a while, and towards the end of 2023 Brew York recruited John Hoe as bar operations director to lead the growth initiative. John brings extensive experience within retail and operations across multi-site pubs and bars, including former roles with Camerons and Black Sheep.
As part of the venue expansion programme, the existing four Brew York bars in York (Walmgate and Osbaldwick), Pocklington, and Leeds city centre have also had opening times extended with further enhancements planned.
Brew York managing director, Wayne Smith, said: “We’ve now developed four solid Brew York venues that all offer a dynamic craft beer experience, and we’ve realised a key opportunity to further strengthen and grow the business in this area.
“We’re confident that John’s expertise will be a great asset as we embark on this project, and with him working alongside our existing highly experienced teams across the venues, brewery, and head office, we’re excited to further hone our craft and spread our wings.
“John has been instrumental in making the Market Town Tavern (MTT) opportunities a reality via his impressive contact network, and the MTT team have been really helpful in making the process run smoothly. We hope to work closely with them in the future.”
The expansion project was possible thanks to advice and support from Fresh Thinking Advisory. Managing director Oliver Reece said: “Wayne and Lee bring a passion for craft beer and great customer service to Brew York. With new growth and working capital facilities in place, the business has the flexibility to move quickly when looking to secure new sites and drive the overall growth strategy.
“It’s great to be able to support the business and enable the next stage of their journey by helping the team find the right long-term funding partner.”
