Micro breweries open both sides of the border

Two new pub chains are entering micro brewing, the rapidly growing sub-sector of the pub market. This will challenge the domination of players such as Allied Domeq’s Firkin chain, which has 51 micro breweries.

Scottish entertainments group Big Beat launches the first of a planned ten-strong chain, Miller’s Thumb Brewing Company, on 4 July. Identity and interiors have been developed by Edinburgh consultancy Teviot, working with the client’s in-house design team.

The identity features a lino-cut illustration of a Miller’s Thumb, a breed of square-tailed fish, by London artist Melvyn Evans.

Last week also saw the official launch of The Soho Brewing Company’s first micro brewery. Interiors, identity and furniture are by Barber Osgerby Associates. The pub, sited in London’s Covent Garden, is the first in a planned chain.

Micro brewing pubs have a small brewery on the premises and brew their own varieties of ale. The idea has had extensive success in the US, particularly on the West Coast.

Barber Osgerby Associates, shortlisted in the 1998 Design Week Awards with its Loop table for UK manufacturer Windmill, has won the 1998 ICCF Editor’s Award for best new designer at the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York.