Speaking to The Morning Advertiser (MA), Watt revealed the business was targeting locations in London, Manchester and Scotland as part of plans to establish an initial five-bar estate.
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“We are looking for a couple in London, one in Manchester and a couple in Scotland,” he said.
The group is seeking premises measuring between 150sq m and 250sq m, with discussions already under way for two potential locations.
He added: “All being well we should conclude the deals for at least one location within 4 weeks.”
Watt has confirmed on social media that offers have been made on two properties, one in London and one in Scotland.
Expansion plans
The update follows Watt’s announcement of a £10,000 site referral scheme in October, inviting members of the public to recommend suitable properties.
He said the initiative had already attracted “hundreds and hundreds of amazing suggestions” from the brand’s community.
However, the rollout will initially be limited to two venues before expanding further.
“The initial plan is to open two, then look to grow to five over the next few years then assess from there,” Watt confirmed.
Watt has also revealed that Second Best has purchased brewing equipment from BrewDog Tower Hill, which is now in storage while the business searches for a new brewery location.
In the social media update, he said: “We have now bought the same brewhouse twice.”
The business is also developing its initial beer range, with plans for a 5.4% export helles and a 5.6% India pale ale as year-round products, alongside a quarterly 7.5% West Coast double IPA.
Fresh beer focus
The bars will centre on fresh beer, with around 10 draught options and a focus on tank-served products.
Watt said: “We are going to focus on super fresh beer, mainly being served from serving tanks with all beer being less than 4 weeks old when we pour it. We are going to go for a more focused beer offering with around 10 beers on draft.”
Watt also indicated Second Best beers would be available on draught beyond its own bars, confirming on Instagram that other pubs in Scotland would be able to stock the brand. However, he said there were currently no plans to produce cask beer.
The business also plans to pay staff the real living wage and share profits with employees, alongside offering benefits to Second Best shareholders.
Watt said shareholders would be invited to help shape the beer selection, food offer and design of the bars.
The plans follow the launch of Second Best earlier this year, which offered former BrewDog Equity Punks the opportunity to claim shares in the new business.
