If there’s one brand name in London associated with IPA and craft beer, it’s BrewDog. The Scottish beer makers have grown hugely since their founding in 2007, though have recently endured several controversies over their practices. But they’re planning to reignite public approval with a new flagship outlet in Waterloo Station.
The venue would be located in the old Eurostar terminal at the station, and would not just be a small beer pop up. It’ll be the anchor tenant of new LCR development ‘The Sidings’ located in South Bank. The proposed plan would see the BrewDog venue open in the summer of next year and take up 26,500 sq ft of space, with co founder James Watt saying it is “quite simply one of the biggest things we have ever announced.”
When you look at the details the company has in mind, you’ll understand why: the venue would take up two floors, and will feature a pub (which BrewDog has already opened a number of), a cocktail bar, a pop up food truck, and a duckpin bowling alley, if you want to get some strikes in between ales.
Further features will include guided tours of the venue, shuffleboard, an outdoor terrace, a florist selling flowers to customers, a hub for workspaces and a Grind coffee bar operating from 7am each day. Oh, and there’ll also be a slide to go between the two levels.
There’ll also be a slide to go between the two levels…
It all sounds like it’ll be almost too much, like a giant toy building designed by kids. But, given BrewDog’s ‘punk’ reputation, perhaps it makes sense. Speaking further, Watt continues “We can’t wait for Londoners and visitors to the city alike to see our new flagship for the capital. Beer, bowling, cocktails and coffee – BrewDog Waterloo will be a destination for anyone seeking out great food, great drinks and an amazing time.”
It all sounds like it’ll be almost too much, like a giant toy building designed by kids…
The wider Sidings development is a project from LCR, and aims to expand South Bank’s already busy cultural landscape: “The Sidings also represents the wider evolution of the South Bank and cements its position as a vibrant cultural hub” commented Peter Hawthorne, the CEO of LCR, whilst discussing the potential BrewDog tenancy; “BrewDog Waterloo’s combination of exceptional food and drink and entertainment make it the perfect fit.”
This huge new flagship venue for BrewDog is set to open in 2022, and is set to be a big draw for Waterloo, rejuvenating not only the old Eurostar terminal but also the station as a whole. As with anything in hospitality these days, there’s a push to get people back into venues post Covid, and a big name like BrewDog with a strong following is certainly a strong bet to achieve this. If nothing else, we want to check it out purely for the slide.
YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BREWDOG AND THE WATERLOO OUTLET ON THEIR WEBSITE
