A prolific Kent firm has revealed the opening date for its beachfront nano brewery after overhauling an abandoned art studio.
The Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company hopes to soon welcome guests at its new spot, situated close to its world-renowned seafood restaurant in the town.
If Canterbury City Council approves its licensing bid, “Whitstable Oyster Brewing” will offer new beers alongside monthly, seasonal, and one-off brews.
Head brewer Will Green told how the historic firm helps to create an educational experience for guests at its nano brewery – they are essentially smaller versions of microbreweries.
“With regards to our license we are hoping to have a small licensed area at the front of the building where people will be able to purchase our beers directly from the brewery,” he says.
“It will have six beer lines and we are only going to be selling our beer and merchandise inside.
“It is not going to be a full bar but instead our aim is for more of a tasting space where people can try ultra-fresh beer and observe the equipment and processes of the brewery.”
Plan are in the pipeline to open in July if a licensing bid is approved by the city council, which has already given the nod for planning permission.
Mr Green says this will be enforced by having limited opening hours, closing at 9pm.
There will be beer tutored tastings inside the brewery in the autumn and winter months which will be ticketed and open “once or twice a fortnight”.
The plan is still for the Sea Farmer’s Dive, between Keam’s Yard car park and the WOFC restaurant, to be the firm’s primary bar for the brewery.
The head brewer says the taproom inside the brewery will fulfil a “more niche role as a dedicated tasting area to the freshest beers” produced inside it.
“We have started brewing already to sell beers through our two taprooms and are hoping to start selling to other bars and restaurants in Kent in the autumn or winter,” Mr Green added.
“If we get our licence approved for the brewery we hope to open on weekends hopefully about July once we have finished work on the interior.”
Residents voiced their support for the scheme last year and the proposals were approved by the city council’s planning committee.
Kate Ward, who works in the beer industry, made representations saying the move will create a “buzzing hub of positivity”.
She said: “I feel this move would greatly benefit not only the crippled hospitality and brewery industry but also the local community and the economy of Whitstable.
“The town’s beauty, peaceful atmosphere and a strong sense of community are unparalleled in my opinion, and to bring the business back to the postcode would only benefit the local residents and drive more money towards the town.”
Another resident, Sophie Holliday, said: “With craft beer becoming more popular, I think this is a great idea.
“I love the idea of learning more about how it’s brewed and being able to enjoy it on the seafront.
“It is something very different to the usual pubs in the area.”
The WOFC has several businesses in the town, including its renowned restaurant, The Hotel Continental and the Lobster Shack.
