An entrepreneurial microbrewery in Plymouth has bucked the trend to begin business this month, becoming the first company to move into Royal William Yard’s iconic Grade I listed Melville building. Steel Brew Co has started production – behind closed doors – and its inaugural brew will be a free ‘thank you’ gift for key workers.

As a manufacturing business, the brewery can operate during the current restrictions, and so the small business felt it fitting to create their first beer in honour of those working on the frontline. Once brewed, the limited-edition blonde beer will be gifted to the city’s key workers, as a gesture of gratitude for their hard work and dedication.

The altruistic company will move into producing and selling craft beers and beverages to the public, once the restrictions lift and visitors can return to the popular waterside destination. In time, visitors will be able to see beer being brewed, learn more about the process, and buy drinks to take away. Steel Brew Co will be known to regulars at Royal William Yard, having appeared as a pop-up at the popular Yard Sessions music events over the summer and at the Good Food and Craft Markets.

This marks the moment Melville building welcomes its first business through the doors, which is in its final stages of redevelopment by Urban Splash. The iconic listed building is the centrepiece of Royal William Yard and one of its last regeneration projects. A mixed-use destination, Melville is set to feature shops, manufacturers, leisure and hospitality operators, sat alongside flexible workspaces, meetings rooms and a coffee shop community hub.

Steel Brew Co will soon be neighbours to independent restaurant, Hubbox, and national cinema operator, Everyman. Royal William Yard is home to more than 70 businesses from a rich array of sectors, including fashion, retail, arts and crafts, education, finance and construction sectors, collectively employing more than 500 people.

Emily Handslip, Commercial Director, Urban Splash, said: “We all need some good news and we are delighted to announce the arrival of a great local business to the Melville building. What Steel Brew Co offers is a great compliment to the incredible restaurants, bars and bustling market Royal William Yard is known and loved for – and we can’t wait for people to see this for themselves.”

The Steel Brew Co team adds: “Craft beer is all about community and we are delighted to join the community at Royal William Yard. In these unprecedented times, society has shown its best side and we want to show our gratitude. We want our first beer to be something special for those sacrificing themselves to keep the city safe. Our first beer will be free and exclusive for key workers – the heroes that keep us going. This is just the beginning for us, and we look forward to welcoming everyone in when we can!”

Emily concludes: “As well as being one of the South West’s top visitor destinations, Royal William Yard is also a thriving commercial hub. Melville is a particularly exciting space, packed with original architectural features and views over the water – and now it even boasts its own microbrewery! We welcome interest from firms that would like to join us in one of the Yard’s last remaining buildings.”

Find out more about Steel Brew Co here:

www.steelbrew.co