Microbrewery expands with bar in York suburbs
Crooked Brewing is bringing its craft beer products to the district of Acomb, outside York city centre.
The brewery itself is situated between Leeds and York, at the site of a former RAF base in Church Fenton, and has been in action since last summer.
Steve Dawson, Andrew Evans, Hudson Aschmann and Mark Field-Gibson run the brewery, producing 1,400 litres of beer a month.
They are refurbishing a former shop in the Acomb suburb of York to sell their beers and a selection of wines and spirits.
Community focus
Steve Dawson, one of the microbrewery’s four founders, said: “We spotted an opportunity - somewhere that is relaxed, local and friendly.
“I don't want to use the word modern, but not traditional."
The bar’s decor will pay tribute to the site’s former use as a motor repair shop by retaining an industrial, exposed look.
Dawson said: “It lends itself to a slightly industrial look, with bare concrete floors. We've got brick walls already, so we're not going to do anything major in terms of the refurb initially.
“It will be complementing what is already there. It will be quite a basic look."
The brewers are still awaiting approval of their licence and a planning application for change of use, but said community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Dawson added: “The only contact we've had is from people being really supportive. We've had local businesses and residents contact us to say ‘I'm really pleased you're doing this and quite excited. I'll be along to visit.’”
Fitting in
“We've had nothing but positive feedback so far. It'll be next to a restaurant and another pub so it's in keeping with the area. What we're doing won't be outside of the working hours that are already in existence for that bit of Acomb.
“We're not going to be doing anything anti-social or anything that will particularly cause anyone any alarm or is outside what is already going on. We should fit in quite nicely.”
A provisional opening date has been set for September, with £20k starting costs to get the bar refurbished and opened.
