Independent brewer and retailer Wells & Co has completed construction of its new, landmark £14m Bedford home, Brewpoint.
The new hospitality venue houses a pub-restaurant, retail shop, coffee roastery, company offices, and a visitor centre, focused around the creation of beer.
Brewpoint’s 30,000 hectolitre brewing capability will be highly flexible, enabling the creation of a huge range of beer styles. Spearheading the launch period will be two new offerings — Origin Pale Ale and On Point Pale Ale.
Taking Wells & Co back to its roots as cask brewers is Origin Pale Ale, a classic 3.7% ABV session beer. Malt sweetness balances with crisp bitterness, all complemented by tropical fruit and citrus late notes. Origin will initially be available exclusively within the Wells & Co pub estate and on tap at Brewpoint.
On Point Pale Ale, an easy-drinking, character-laden 4% ABV keg offering, boasts bright tropical and citrus hop flavours on a light malt base with low bitterness. On Point Pale Ale will be available in 30-litre kegs and 330ml cans, the latter available to order from November onwards at brewpoint.co.uk.
Brewing on site has now begun in earnest and, while trading restrictions imposed on the hospitality sector due to covid-19 mean Brewpoint’s full launch must wait until spring 2021, the Wells & Co team plan to offer their customers a taste of things to come — not to mention a taste of several brand new brews — from today.
‘The completion of Brewpoint represents the next step in our evolution as fifth-generation progressive family brewers’
Managing director, Peter Wells, said: “While we’d love to throw open the doors and welcome everyone in for the full Brewpoint experience, safety-related limitations and the ongoing uncertainty around trading during Covid-19 mean it simply wouldn’t be a responsible decision at this time. However, we’ve found a way to offer a great introduction to our beautiful new home whilst keeping everyone safe.
“From 8th October, we’ll be opening the external garden area at our site in Fairhill for 11 weeks this side of Christmas, and inviting everyone down to experience A Taste Of Brewpoint. Our pop-up bar will do exactly what it says on the tin: you’ll be able to get a real flavour for Brewpoint via the groundbreaking beers, delicious food, retail opportunities, and entertainment we’ll have on offer.
“Just as we’ve done within our pub estate throughout 2020, we’ll be staying on top of evolving government regulations and taking every precaution possible to ensure that A Taste Of Brewpoint offers a safe yet thoroughly enjoyable experience for our friends in the community.
“Following our rebrand from Charles Wells to Wells & Co in summer 2019, reflecting the diverse nature of our modern business, the completion of Brewpoint represents the next step in our evolution as fifth-generation progressive family brewers. We’re truly excited to share it with the people of Bedford and beyond.”
