Last week, Chapel Down Plc (ISDX: CDGP) announced there is currently an exchange of contracts on a 1.6-acre site located in Ashford, Kent for Curious Brew’s development. The company successfully secured £1,749,100 for the brewery late last year through equity crowdfunding platform, Seedrs.
As previously reported, Chapel Down launched the Seedrs initiative to support the expansion of the company’s “fast growing beer and cider business” – Curious Brew. According to a report provided by the company, Chapel Down’s beer and cider business continues to grow at about 40% per year. Demand has been driven by broadening distribution. The Curious Brew lager is said to be the best-selling craft beer in Majestic Wine. The funds from the campaign were to be used for the Ashford location.
Sharing details about the land contract, CEO of Chapel Down, Frazer Thompson, stated the company will be working with Guy Hollaway and U+I to build the brewery:
“We are delighted to have exchanged contracts on a freehold site that will see the development of the Curious Brewery in Ashford. The Curious Brewery will be a very exciting development for Ashford, for Kent and contemporary British brewing. We’ve had tremendous support from Ashford Borough Council and are looking forward to working with architects, Guy Hollaway, and developers, U+I, to create something exceptional.”
Hollaway commented:
“We are delighted to be working with clients, Chapel Down, and regeneration specialist and developer, U+I, to create a combined new brewery and destination experience. The new bespoke Curious Brewery is set to put Ashford on the map.”
Earlier this year, British supermarket chain, Waitrose, announced that Curious Brew was named best-selling craft beer that it currently offers. According to Off License News, Sales at Curious Drinks were up 33% in the first six months of 2015 to just under £1 million. Kate Prall, beer buyer at Waitrose, stated: “The crisp flavor of this classy lager appeals to both beer aficionados and wine drinkers alike.”
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