Under new management, with a new team and community-focused vision, popular microbrewery Steel Brew Co has reopened its doors in Mills Bakery at Royal William Yard.

The brewery has been bought by members of neighbouring Royal William Yard business, Shift – a successful, innovative and growing tech firm. Steel Brew Co supporters since it first opened and active members of the local community, the new co-owners – Jacob Corlett and Neil Carroll – saw the potential to bring something new to the business.

“We loved the brand and beer from day one, so seized the opportunity to take on Steel Brew Co,” said Jacob. “We want to continue the vision of brewing and serving great beer, while also expanding what we offer and creating a welcoming space at the heart of the community.”

Beer remains the focus of the operation, and Steel Brew Co is restarting production for five of its popular brews, including the award-winning Plymouth Pale Ale, Golden Ratio, and the aptly named Firestone Pilsner – named after Firestone Bay, located just a few metres away. The team also plans to welcome guest beers, including great independent breweries from further afield, so that there is always something new to try.

Passionate about supporting the craft beer industry, the team plans to extend an invitation to other microbrewers to come and use the facilities. With high-quality equipment and large-capacity tanks, Steel Brew Co can provide a space for other brewers to achieve their ambitions. And with ‘meet the brewer’ experiences planned for the future, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn more about the craft.

Broadening the options behind the bar, the team will offer a range of spirits and wines, celebrating the best of the South West. Making use of the array of restaurants on its doorstep at Royal William Yard, Steel Brew Co will act as a ‘virtual food hall’ and partner with a number of its neighbours to enable customers to order-in food. Takeaway picnics and meal deals will also be available for those visiting or working at the Yard.

The extensive, stylish taproom space has been changed to create more cosy nooks and accommodate groups of different sizes. A large and versatile area, it also lends itself perfectly to functions and occasions, and the team is keen to host an array of Steel Brew Co events as well as offering private hire.

More events and activities lie at the heart of the new vision for Steel Brew Co, which the team sees as being a community orientated venue that should be open and welcoming to all. Jacob adds, “We want people to come and enjoy the space. From music and open mic nights, to comedy and improv poetry, we can’t wait to host local talent and become a great place to visit and relax. We want local groups to find a home here and help make this a vibrant hub for the community.”

To help cultivate a new Steel Brew Co community, there will now be a membership scheme in place for fans keen to access perks. Weekly and monthly subscriptions are available and come with benefits including a 20% discount on drinks from the bar, and unlimited tea and coffee.

Emily Jones, Executive Director of Commercial at Urban Splash, adds: “Royal William Yard’s history, as a victualling yard, was to produce and supply food and drink – so it’s part of the fabric of this place. It is brilliant to have Steel Brew Co back and brewing once again. This is an exciting independent business that locals and visitors alike love – and the new team has a vision that people are going to want to see for themselves. What Steel Brew Co offers is a great compliment to the diverse global food offering we have here, the bustling bars and cafes, and packed calendar of events; it’s a destination like no other.”

See what Steel Brew Co is all about at www.steelbrew.co or visit from 11:30am-11pm, 7 days a week.