A new brewery in Caerphilly is inviting people to their tap room and monthly events as it aims to establish itself in the area’s food and drink scene.
Velvet Owl Brewing Company brew out of their premises on Pontygwindy Industrial Estate, Caerphilly, while also running a tap room and bar every Thursday to Saturday.
The three-man operation began as a ‘cuckoo’ or ‘gypsy’ brewing set up, using other breweries’ facilities to make their beer.
When the site in Caerphilly, that used to belong to the Celt Experience Brewery, became available, Richie Lisbirel, Duncan Illsley and Alex Oliver moved in on a permanent basis.
The bar within the brewery provides a rustic and bohemian feel, complimented by the brewers’ laid-back approach and their enthusiasm for throwing open their doors to showcase all they have to offer.
Lisbirel, Director and Head Brewer at Velvet Owl, said: “We want to be known in the local area, not just our beer but the three of us as well. This is a very big journey and we are very excited.
“We have a background in bar management. We know what we are doing behind a bar and in a cellar. We know how to make people feel welcome.”
Everything the brewery does feels like a nod to the journey the three have been on. Their flagship beer, Moll’s medicine, a lavender milk porter, got its inspiration from Lisbirel’s flat smelling of baby soap and milk formula. The name Velvet Owl, comes from a nickname he gave his daughter.
Velvet Owl’s intention is to bring unusual styles and tastes of beer that aren’t usually seen in the area. Their beers have been sold across the UK and have featured in bars and pubs in London, Bristol and Cardiff.
The taproom also boasts an array of guest beers, a permanent lager, Hallets cider from Hafodyrynys and will host the return of RT Ales, owned by Illsley.
If beer isn’t your thing, they also stock a wide array of locally produced spirits, including gin from the Eccentric Gin Distillery, located next door.
Velvet Owl’s tap room is open Thursday and Friday, from 5pm until 11pm and noon until midnight on a Saturday.
The last Saturday of each month will also see the brewery host a yard party with live music and food, while once a month they will also host a bottle swap where enthusiasts are invited to share knowledge and experience about everything to do with beer.
Great beers and great guys. I wish them all the best; we need more business like this in the area.
Aye aye, I’ll be giving that a try!
Any good pale/golden and hoppy ales?
Try “My Friend, The Lizard” if that’s your thing. It’s really good!
Cheers.