BrewDog buys first pub

Controversial Scottish micro-brewer BrewDog has acquired its first pub.

The brewer, whose beers include Punk IPA and Trashy Blonde, has bought the freehold of the Marischal in Aberdeen for an undisclosed fee. The pub has been closed for two years.

The Marischal is due to re-open in February 2010 following an extensive refubishment, which will include the installing of an on-site micro-brewery. The pub will serve only BrewDog beers.

"This is going to be home of the very first BrewDog brew-pub," said founding member James Watt. "Blending punk-rock, utilitarianism and philosophy, the BrewDog Bar will be exciting imaginations from February 2010.

"The new Brew-Pub will only serve BrewDog beers and will have some amazing snacks specially designed to complement our hardcore beers.

"Speciality beers will be brewed on site and the venue will be host to plenty of beer events including tastings, beer and food pairings and open brewing days."

Watt added: "We hope the bar will educate drinkers on different beers and help them become as passionate about beer as we are."

Watt said BrewDog would "definitely" consider taking on more pubs once it had established the model at its first venue.

He also reported that take-up on its internet-based share scheme "equity for punks" had been positive. So far, it has sold 1,000 shares of the 10,000 shares up for grabs.

It is hoping to raise £2.3m to build a carbon-neutral brewery in Aberdeen.