Craft brewery and bar to bring Christmas cheer to ‘iconic’ Yorkshire mill

Work has begun on a new craft brewpub in a Leeds ‘landmark’ ahead of its planned opening at the end of the year.

Amity Brew Co has signed a 10-year lease at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley for the 2,500 sq ft brewery and bar with outdoor paved beer garden at the mill’s Festoon Rooms.

Founded in June of this year, Amity Brew Co has already seen its craft beers stocked by the likes of national chain Brewdog.

The new space, designed by Wetherby-based Design Tonic, will combine an industrial aesthetic with green space for social distancing.

Co-founder and director of Amity Brew Co, Richard Degnan, said: “The community support over the past few months has been incredible, including local business Doorstep Wines offering to store our beer so that we can offer click and collect and us selling out at the monthly Farsley Farmers Market.

“We can’t wait to get onsite and start brewing. The pandemic has brought its challenges but the beauty of our startup team is that we are nimble and willing to adapt.

“Our team brings a lot of heart and passion to Amity Brew Co and that feeling has been picked up by the local and beer community.”

The opening, which is scheduled for before Christmas, follows the multi-million pound development of Weavers Yard, a 5,000 sq ft outdoor space with 96 car parking spaces.

William Gaunt, joint managing director of mill owner Edwin Woodhouse and Co Ltd, commented: “We have always been interested in having a micro-brewery here at Sunny Bank Mills, and we have looked at many options over the years.

“When Amity Brew Co came to us we immediately knew they would be the perfect fit. Amity will enhance what Sunny Bank Mills has to offer and further cement Farsley as a great place to live and work.

“We are about to start work and we hope that the brewery and tap room will be open before Christmas. Amity plans to create a relaxed and pleasant tap room and The Festoon Rooms is a great location right in the heart of the mill complex, with a newly created outdoor terrace area.”

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