The Grape and Grain — Arkell’s new beer and wine store, which opened at its Kingsdown Brewery in January — has been shortlisted in the 2018 Local Authority Building Control West of England Building Excellence Awards.
These awards recognise quality in all types of building project and are the largest awards in the building control sector.
Arkell’s has been shortlisted in two categories: best change of use of an existing building or conversion, and best small commercial project.
Officially opened by the Duchess of Cornwall, the historic space, which was previously Arkell’s wine storage warehouse, hosts a retail shop selling Arkell’s beers, and wines and spirits by Arkell’s vintners. On the first floor is some of Arkell’s vast collection of brewing memorabilia, telling the story of the Arkell’s family from the foundation of the brewery in 1843.
175 years of brewing
Also on the first floor is Arkell’s Ingredients room, where visitors can see what goes a into craft ale recipe.
Brewery managing director, George Arkell, said: “We are thrilled that our fantastic new beer and wine warehouse has been shortlisted, especially as we are celebrating 175 years of brewing this year. We are incredibly proud of our heritage and this is the first opportunity we have ever had to be able to display it to visitors and customers.
“The renovation took over six months to undertake and has revealed a truly beautiful building which we feel does justice to the story of brewing that we are proud to own.”
The winners of the awards will be announced in July.
