Thatcham independent Delphic Brewing Company applies to establish brewery and taproom in Newbury town centre

An independent brewing company has applied for planning permission to open a brewery and taproom in Newbury.

Delphic Brewing Company–which was founded in 2019 by Tom Broadbank and operates from a 320 sq ft garage in Thatcham–hopes to establish a new premises within the vacant Motorists Discount Centre on Mayors Lane.

The new space will act as the company’s production facility, with the aim of it producing between 75,000 and 125,000 litres of beer a year.

As well as the brewing equipment, storage and office space, the plans also contain a taproom within the building that will open on Fridays and Saturdays.

The plans state: “The function of the taproom will be to allow customers to try our product before deciding whether or not to purchase cans of beer to take home.

“It also gives customers an opportunity to try the product before purchasing at an alternate location at a later date. Small amounts of merchandise, such as branded t shirts, may be sold in the tap room.

“Tap room revenue will be a small percentage of the total revenue of the business and far from a viable enterprise itself. The majority of revenue will be sales to trade.”

Mr Broadback is currently crowdfunding to secure the necessary equipment to kit out the new brewery and taproom.

He has raised over £5,000, and is hoping to reach his target of £30,000.

To view his fundraising page, visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/delphic

Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) member Timothy Thomas wrote a letter to the council in support of the brewery and taproom plans.

He said: “Although Newbury is served by several quality pubs it does not have a brewery taproom to encourage visitors.

“Beer tourism can be a valuable asset for a town as visitors will aim to visit several establishments to the benefit of all and Newbury can improve its reputation as a beer destination.

“I do not think this development will harm nearby pubs as it will only open as a taproom on two days and it will draw additional customers to the town who may also take the opportunity to visit nearby pubs like the Cow & Cask, King Charles Tavern and Catherine Wheel.”