A new microbrewery has started production – despite the coronavirus lockdown.
As a manufacturing business, Plymouth’s Steel Brew Co can operate during the current restrictions, because the Government has not ordered factories to shut.
But the craft beer brewer is stressing it is taking strict precautions, operating behind closed doors, and with its young team all living in the same house and being the only ones allowed into the brewery.
The firm stressed precautions include only having one person on site at a time, and wearing gloves and a facemask.
The business was started in 2019 in a shed, and sold its ales – including session beer, IPAs, porters and milk stouts – at pop-up event, including music festivals, and food and craft markets.
Several of these were in, or near, Plymouth’s famous Royal William Yard listed former naval victualling yard.
The site has been regenerated by Manchester-based Urban Splash into a mix of commercial and residential spaces, and is now home to more than 70 businesses from an array of sectors, including fashion, retail, arts and crafts, education, finance and construction sectors, collectively employing more than 500 people.
Steel Brew Co's gift for key workers
Steel Brew Co’s inaugural brew will be a free “thank you” gift for key workers.
As a manufacturing business, the brewery can operate during the current restrictions, and so the small business felt it fitting to create its first beer in honour of those working on the frontline in the fight against coronavirus.
Once brewed, the limited-edition blonde beer will be gifted to the city’s key workers, as a gesture of gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
Those interested in taking up the offer should follow @SteelBrewCo on social media or click
When brewed, the beer will be made available to key workers including NHS staff, care workers, emergency services, veterinary staff teachers, refuse collectors, supermarket staff, postal workers and delivery drivers.
The beer will be served in a two-pint hopper, which is a sealed takeaway container. Supplies will be limited to one two-pint hopper per person.
Precautions have been taken in the production process, including only having one person on site at a time, wearing gloves and a facemask.
The altruistic company will move into producing and selling craft beers and beverages to the public, once the restrictions lift and visitors can return to Plymouth’s popular waterside destination.
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Steel Brew Co will become the first business to operative from the vast centrepiece Grade II listed Melville building, in the heart of the yard. In time, visitors will be able to see beer being brewed, learn more about the process, and buy drinks to take away.
The Melville block has been undergoing an extensive renovation and will become a mixed-use destination, for shops, manufacturers, leisure and hospitality operators, alongside flexible workspaces, meetings rooms and a coffee shop community hub.
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Steel Brew Co will soon be neighbours to independent restaurant Hubbox and national cinema operator, Everyman, both due to open in 2020.
A spokesman for the Steel Brew Co said: “Craft beer is all about community and we are delighted to join the community at Royal William Yard.
“In these unprecedented times, society has shown its best side and we want to show our gratitude.
“We want our first beer to be something special for those sacrificing themselves to keep the city safe. Our first beer will be free and exclusive for key workers – the heroes that keep us going. This is just the beginning for us, and we look forward to welcoming everyone in when we can.”
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Emily Handslip, commercial director at Urban Splash, said: “We all need some good news and we are delighted to announce the arrival of a great local business to the Melville building.
“What Steel Brew Co offers is a great compliment to the incredible restaurants, bars and bustling market Royal William Yard is known and loved for – and we can’t wait for people to see this for themselves.
“As well as being one of the South West’s top visitor destinations, Royal William Yard is also a thriving commercial hub.
“Melville is a particularly exciting space, packed with original architectural features and views over the water – and now it even boasts its own microbrewery.