Unique micro-brewery in Sheffield set to launch

4th April 2016

Irwin Mitchell advises Master Brewer on deal A unique micro-brewery in the heart of Sheffield is set to open its doors on 11th April following the conversion of the former Geoff Hall carpet showroom.

The Sentinel Brewing Co project is the brainchild of Alex Barlow, a qualified Master Brewer with more than 30 years' experience, and will allow visitors to see the 'grain-to-glass' process while sampling beer straight from the tank. Alex was principal of Sheffield University's micro-brewing MSc course and is The Beer Academy's Director of Training, whose courses will be held on site. He wants the Sentinel Brewing Co to help students of both the city's Universities and Sheffield College to understand the brewing, hospitality and catering industries. He was once the youngest ever Master Brewer and the first Englishman to manage a Czech brewery. He now runs the ALL BEER guide as part of his mission to educate people about beer. Once opened, The Sentinel Brewing Co is expected to sell beers from other breweries and the facility will be available for private functions with several bookings already made by local businesses. On the 11th and 12th of April, visitors can enjoy a range of beers brewed by Alex as they watch the installation of the huge tanks making up Sentinel's brewhouse, each of which, according to Alex, is 'stainless steel work of art'. Commenting on the opening of The Sentinel Brewing Co, Alex Barlow, said: -The city has a proud reputation in the brewery industry and this will be one of only a few breweries in the UK which allow people to experience the process, sample from the tank and take a 'fresh beer to go'. This idea has been in my head for many years so I'm delighted to invite people to join us from Monday 11th to see the brewhouse being installed and I'm looking forward to providing what will be a truly unique experience for the people of Sheffield. Kellie Hatton and Emma Cowell advised Sentinel on the property aspects of the project whilst Corporate partner, Andrea Cropley, advised on the equity investment raised to fund the new project. Kellie Hatton, Associate Solicitor at Irwin Mitchell said: -This is an exciting project to be involved with. Alex has considerable experience in the industry and I have no doubt that this new venture will be a success. We are looking forward to seeing the venue up and running.