Walled City Brewery sees huge uplift from taproom

Derry’s Walled City Brewery has seen a 50% uplift in revenues following the launch of its first-of- its-kind Taproom in the city nine months ago.

After opening a restaurant in 2015, the owners saw an opportunity for an adjacent Taproom to diversify the business’ offering for customers.

And last year the gastro-pub worked with Johnston Financial Solutions to secure £50,000 of alternative funding which enabled the bespoke space to open.

The Taproom has allowed Walled City Brewery to provide an alternative bar for wedding, private parties and other functions, host tasting experiences from its new gin school, and it has also created a bigger brewery space which increases brewing capacity and provides opportunities for tours.

It has also secured a ‘producers’ liquor licence, which means that the only alcoholic drinks that are served are the ones produced on site.

Mark Johnston, above right, director of Johnston Financial Solutions, said: “We were approached by James Huey and Walled City Brewery to help unlock additional funds that were required to launch and open the Taproom.

“They had received a grant, but had a shortfall in funds which was required to make their dream – which had been seven years in the making – a reality.

“We explored and secured an alternative funding option, and the Taproom opened last September. We were delighted to support Walled City Brewery with the opening of this venture, which is fantastic for Ebrington Square, the city and its customers – and to see the positive results for their business.”

Co-founder James Huey, above left, said “Securing the additional finance was key to the opening of the Taproom, and we found the whole experience of working with Mark seamless and positive.

“The Taproom has really cemented what we want to do as a company and the foundations of our business. We believe it has helped make the business a lot more healthy and profitable and we are excited for our future.”