South London pub to revive historic brewing operation
Operators Keris and Lee De Villiers are reviving the former Brewery Tap in Wandsworth, which had seen brewing on its site since 1533.
The pub will be opened under its original name of the Ram Inn, which also dates back to the 16th century.
An on-site brewery will mean the site has the first brewery on a Young’s site since the company merged its brewing operations with Charles Wells in 2006.
Its new licensees said they would pay tribute to the pub’s heritage by naming its first brew ‘1533’.
Keris De Villiers told The Morning Advertiser of her excitement to add the pub to an existing portfolio of two sites including the Pig & Whistle and the Old Sergeant in Wandsworth.
She explained: “We jumped at the chance because we didn’t realise it would be a tenancy [when Young’s chose to reopen the site].
“It's been a long planning process because it’s such a heritage site. There were a lot of things, so we have had a few delays. It’s just such an exciting project, we’re doing so many different things in the space.”
Brewing revival
She added: “The pub was sort of a gateway to the Young’s brewery, it has all the historic connotations to the brewery.
“This will be the first brewery on a Young’s site since the Young’s Brewery actually closed down. So it makes it more iconic, if you like.”
The first brew produced by SlyBeast Brewing – named after the family’s two dogs – will be a hoppy session IPA at 4.2% ABV.
Keris added: “When the opportunity for a brewery came we jumped at the fact that we could have our own brand in there. We’re very excited to see how the beer turns out.
“Not too long after that we are going to do a full pump ale but it will be a porter, something a bit more traditional – a nod to times gone by.”
Diverse offering
The brewery and a traditional pub space with food will be located in the pub’s downstairs area.
Its upstairs space will mimic a garden area with artificial grass, a blue ceiling, a shipping container bar and a taco truck that will also be used for pop-ups from local food businesses.
“That will all be indoors to give you an illusion that you are at a street feast, outdoor event,” Keris added.
The pub has decided to not allow in children on both floors.
Lee explained: “We wanted to create a grown-up place for people to relax and have a good time. Both our other sites are family-friendly but we wanted this one to be just for the adults.”
The pub reopens on Thursday 10 October with a launch party planned for Friday 1 November.
