Arkell’s new beer and wine retail store, The Grape & Grain, which opened in January at Kingsdown Brewery, Swindon has been shortlisted for the 2018 LABC (Local Authority Building Control) West of England Building Excellence Awards.
These awards recognise quality in all types of building project and are the largest awards in the building control sector.
Arkell’s has been shortlisted in two categories: Best Change of Use of an Existing Building or Conversion, and Best Small Commercial Project.
The brewery opened its new shop and archive, located in the heart of the brewery at Kingsdown, near Swindon in January. Officially opened by the Duchess of Cornwall, the historic new space, which was previously Arkell’s wine storage warehouse, hosts a retail shop selling Arkell’s beers, and wines and spirits by Arkell’s Vintners. On the first floor is displayed some of Arkell’s vast collection of brewing memorabilia, telling the story of the Arkell’s family, from the beginnings of the brewery in 1843 right through to today.
Also on the first floor is Arkell’s Ingredients room, where visitors can see for themselves the ingredients that go into craft ale.
Brewery managing director, George Arkell, said: “We are thrilled that our fantastic new beer and wine warehouse has been shortlisted, especially as we are celebrating 175 years of brewing this year. We are incredibly proud of our heritage and this is the first opportunity we have ever had to be able to display it to visitors and customers.
“The renovation took over six months to undertake and has revealed a truly beautiful building which we feel does justice to the story of brewing that we are proud to own.”
The winners of the awards will be announced in July.
