Antic expands into brewing

Antic, the fast-growing London-based multiple pub operator, is to start brewing its own beer later this year.

The group, which currently runs 15 pubs across the capital, has struck a deal with Greenwich-based Meantime Brewery to buy the latter's old brewing equipment.

It has hired former Firkin brewer Stephen Lawson to oversee production, which should commence in the autumn.

Antic plans to set up a production line in warehouses next to its head office in Camberwell, South London, and have its first beers ready for its pubs by November, according to managing director Max Alderman.

"We'll be brewing an ordinary bitter and a best bitter, which we hope to retail at around £2.30 and £2.50 a pint respectively," Alderman added.

The group's brewing ambitions coincide with the development of four new Antic pubs, including the Ravensbourne Arms in Lewisham, South London, and the Red Lion, in Leytonstone, East London.

Alderman said the group hoped to have an estate of between 25 and 30 pubs by the end of this year.