B&K acquires listed building for new site

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Eyes on the prize: Brewhouse & Kitchen is a finalist in three categories at The Publican Awards (credit: Getty/Henrik Sorensen)

Brewpub business Brewhouse & Kitchen (B&K) has continued its expansion with a new acquisition in Chelmsford, Essex.

The new site is a Grade II-listed building in Duke St, Chelmsford, formerly known as the Anne Knight building, which adds to the business’s estate of 22 mainly freehold brewpubs.

Work will begin immediately to add B&K’s signature copper microbrewery that will serve the brewpub with a fresh, unpasteurised, vegan-friendly, range of craft beers. These will be joined by a list of guest craft beers, gins, wines, whiskies and a beer-based food menu.

Unique range

B&K managing director Simon Bunn said: “We are delighted to be bringing our Brewhouse & Kitchen concept to Chelmsford.

“With over 40 national and international awards for our own-brewed beers and our highly regarded brewing industry apprenticeship programme, we are looking forward to brewing our unique range of craft beers and cooking our signature dishes at this amazing new venue, as well as creating 40 new and exciting roles.”

Meanwhile, B&K has been listed as a finalist in The Publican Awards in three categories: Best Pub Brand/Concept, Best Brewing Pub Company and Best Pub Employer up to 500 Employees.

Scrutiny test

The list of finalists was announced earlier this month with the awards evening taking place at Evolution London at Battersea Park, central London, on 29 March.

Ed Bedington, editor of The Morning Advertiser, which organises the awards, said: “Being a finalist is a great achievement in itself and judges will now be putting those businesses under the microscope to see which really stands up to scrutiny and can claim to be the best in the sector.

“These awards are the pinnacle for those in the pub and bar trade, with a robust and rigorous judging process which really puts the finalists through their paces. We’re looking forward to that process and finally revealing our winners at Battersea in March for an epic party.”