Imagine beer barrels stacked high. Welcome to The Brewery. This historic venue was once the heart of Whitbread’s beer-making empire. Today, it’s a versatile event space in the City of London.
The Brewery is a Grade II listed building. It can host up to 1,000 people. Events range from meetings to Christmas parties. Banquets and conferences are also popular here.
Whitbread moved here in 1750. Samuel Whitbread consolidated operations from smaller breweries. His brewery grew into a vast operation. Its size attracted royal visitors. George III and Queen Charlotte visited in 1787. Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother also came here.
Brewing continued until 1976. The last tanker left on April 13th. This ended 225 years of brewing history at The Brewery.
The Porter Tun is a highlight. It is one of London’s largest unobstructed event spaces. Its timber roof has a 170-foot king post. The unsupported span is 65 feet. This gives an uninterrupted view across the room. Antique wooden floors add to the charm.
Beneath the Porter Tun lie the Smeaton Vaults. These vaults once stored porter. Porter is a dark beer needing a year to mature. Whitbread stored it in bulk without casks. Initially, the liquid leaked through the walls. John Smeaton and Josiah Wedgewood helped make them beer-tight.
The King George III and Queen Charlotte rooms got their names from the royal visit. The largest room once held 3,800 barrels of beer. The King George III room features exposed brickwork. It also features a barrel-vaulted ceiling.
The Queen Charlotte room has a hidden bar. This gives the space a prohibition vibe. The Sugar Rooms were used to store brewing sugar. Georgian windows offer natural daylight.
Not all stories here are cheerful. Samuel Whitbread II cut his own throat in 1815. John Martineau died in a yeast trough in 1834.
For over a century, the Speaker of the House of Commons’ coach resided here. Whitbread shire horses pulled it. The coach was built for William III. It is the oldest of the great state coaches.
The Brewery offers modern amenities. These include state-of-the-art sound systems and LED lighting. Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue.
The Brewery is near Liverpool Street, Moorgate, and Barbican stations. This makes it easily accessible by public transport. Bicycle parking is available on-site.
Consider The Brewery for your next event. Its history and unique spaces create a memorable atmosphere. Imagine your event unfolding within these walls. You are part of its ongoing story.