The Bristol Beer Factory team are set to open their latest venture – Junction – in the Wapping Wharf premises previously occupied by Wild Beer.
Having gained a reputation as one of the city’s original craft beer institutions, Bristol Beer Factory has been pioneering innovative craft beers in the heart of South Bristol for nearly 20 years. The Wapping Wharf premises that they are taking on for Junction is one of the destination’s largest, with the aim “to bring a taste of classic British pub culture to Bristol’s much-loved independent harbourside quarter”. The name pays tribute to the historical Bristol Harbour Railway – with the venue itself forming the junction between the harbour and Wapping Wharf.
The premises had previously been home to Wild Beer whose tap room had been in situ since Wapping Wharf first opened in 2016. The business went into administration earlier this year and the site was closed – and after a huge number of applications from businesses from Bristol and beyond, Wapping Wharf chose Bristol Beer Factory to take on the space.
Bristol Beer Factory Managing Director, Sam Burrows, says, “Wapping Wharf is such an iconic area of Bristol, and we’re thrilled to be joining what is without a doubt the most vibrant community of independent retailers in the city.
“We’re aiming to create a destination for everyone, from those popping by for lunch, an after-work beer, or somewhere to enjoy a drink by the harbourside, with a range of not only our own locally brewed beers, lagers and ciders, but also of other locally made Bristol drinks. Food-wise, we’re working with Josh Eggleton to create a simple yet delicious selection of classic pub-grub dishes, ideal for snacking on as well as offering more substantial classic seasonal dishes, and we can’t wait to join the community down at Wapping Wharf.”
Stuart Hatton, Managing Director at Umberslade, adds, “It was undeniably sad to say goodbye to Wild Beer after six years at Wapping Wharf, but we’re extremely excited to bring a new lease of life to this space, which has historically always been part of the heart of Wapping Wharf.
“In line with our ethos of working with local, independent businesses, we were keen to not only bring a Bristol business into the space, but also to bring in a business who can provide a central hub to Wapping Wharf, and we knew that Bristol Beer Factory were the perfect fit. ” he continues.
Work has now begun at the premises, with the venue due to open later on in the Spring.