A growing independent Gateshead brewery has unveiled plans to open a bottle shop and bar in Newcastle’s Grainger Market.
Firebrick Brewery was first launched in Blaydon in 2012 and has developed a faithful following of customers thanks to its range of 14 North East-themed cask and keg brands.
Brewing two to three times a week, it produces more than 400 casks a month, with its brews including Blaydon Brick, Tyne 9, Pagan Queen, Toon Broon, Wey-Aye P.A and Giuseppe Lager are selling in pubs across the region.
Delivering direct to pubs from Middlesbrough and Darlington, to Berwick, the Borders, Alston and Whitby, the firm, which has eight staff including founder Alistair Lawrence, is now looking to expand with a ‘high street’ presence in the heart of Newcastle.
If approved, Mr Lawrence will transforming an empty double unit into a shop selling beers and other tipples, alongside a taproom and tasting area.
The shop, aimed at the real ale fans, will sell Firebrick brands as well as other beers, vodkas, rums, whiskies, wines and gins from other small independent producers.
If successful, it would add to a growing, eclectic mix of food and drink traders in the market, alongside the likes of Redhead’s mac ‘n’cheese, Snackwallah, Nan Bei’s dumplings and Meat:Stack, and it would become the second market business to also operate a mini bar, joining La Casa Delicatessen which sells Spanish tapas, sherries and wines.
Director Alistair Lawrence has applied for permission to open Firebrick Brewery and Bar in the historic market.
He said: “We have had a market stall at the outdoor Christmas Market for the last two years but thought we may be a better fit in the Grainger Market this Christmas just gone, because of its emphasis on local suppliers and craft products.
“We managed to get a two week “pop up” shop and found we liked the whole Grainger Market community, the traders, customers and staff, and we like the history and atmosphere of the market too.
“If we get the correct permissions in place and are accepted for a unit I think we will be a good addition and will be able to build a loyal clientele there, we are all very much looking forward to that happening.
“I see the Grainger Market becoming an ever more prominent venue for those wanting to shop in a more relaxed and enjoyable way with varied and creative options for breakfast, coffee and lunch in between. With the excellent range of fish, meat and vegetables it also encourages home cooking and healthy living.
“More people are now looking for alternatives to slogging around an impersonal supermarket, at least for part of their shopping if not all of it.
“Add to that the charming and quirky elements, the massive range of items for sale, the great interaction with store holders and the warm feeling gained by buying locally and I can see The Grainger Market becoming as important to Newcastle as La Boqueria is to Barcelona or Östermalms Saluhall is to Stockholm – we really want to help that happen and be part of it.”
In the application to the licensing team he says the proposed bottle shop and craft beer outlet aims to be a venue sought out by real ale enthusiasts and those who wish to buy more exclusive products.
Mr Lawrence said: “The intention is to create a retail outlet for Firebrick’s own craft beer, in bottles, cans and mini 5ltr kegs, and also a small selection of the better craft beers both local and international. A small section of the shop will be dedicated to specially selected single malt whiskies and gins, vodkas and runs from small independent produces and some fine wines.
“The tables and chairs will allow the unit to run tasting events and also allow on premises sales of Firebrick craft beers.”
Mr Lawrence added: “The idea of the on site consumption is to allow tasting events every so often of whatever we are selling, Firebrick beer, beer from other selected local breweries, Belgian beers, local gins and vodkas - maybe not the high end wines and whiskies! - but it’s also for customers to be able to sit down and have a pint or a half of craft beer.”
