Powering Growth for the UK’s First Craft Beer Bar

The craft beer movement continues to gain pace across the UK – and Yorkshire is no exception. In fact, it played a pivotal role in what is now a booming industry. While craft beer has been around since the 1960s and 70s, it wasn’t until 1997 that people had a place to try different craft beers in one place.

That was when Leeds’ own North Bar opened, making it unofficially the first craft beer bar in the UK. In 2015, founders John Gyngell and Christian Townsley decided it was time to add their own craft beers into the mix – opening North Brewing Co. But it wasn’t without its challenges. Read on to find out how the local electricians at Volta Compliance assisted…

Powering North Brewing Co

To get their beers out into the world, North Brewing Co wanted to open a dedicated tap room, where customers could visit and sample freshly brewed craft beers to their heart’s content. Other than brewing great beer, one of the biggest challenges of opening a brewery and tap room is the electrical installation.

North Brewing Company required a full design and proposal to fit their warehouse, web shop and associated under-mezz rooms, as well as over-mezz staff areas and industrial power. That included cold store lighting, power and refrigeration, plus high-level space heating for the tap room.

That’s the function sorted. Now what about the form? To provide a pleasant ambience for clients – as well as highlighting production areas and machines with a choice of colours – North wanted to re-use existing high bay fittings and install colour-changing LED lighting.

Let’s not forget security. North Brewing Company required monitored intruder alarms and fire alarms, CCTV and emergency lighting to keep their site secure. Not to mention outdoor lighting and power to make the most of their external space.

A comprehensive solution

As a proud Yorkshire business, it’s only right that North stayed local for their electrical installation. Leeds-based Volta Compliance went above and beyond to fulfil all of their electrical requirements – and then some.

That started with a full design in line with the required power (kVA). Once approved, the old electrical installation was stripped out safely and efficiently. Temporary electrical installations were provided for power and lighting, enabling the brewery to test their equipment and carry out sample production.

Volta’s team then set about supplying power, security and heating for a fully functional production brewery with cold storage, picking and packing areas, and a dedicated web shop space – not to mention offices, outside areas and a state-of-the-art tap room.

Lighting was fitted using the latest LED technology, with occupancy sensors where suitable, while heating was installed with digital thermostats and remote-control capabilities to optimise efficiency.

Compliant, secure and energy efficient

Electrical installation might seem like a box-ticking exercise. But with the right expertise, equipment and approach, it can provide so much more for all kinds of local businesses.

In the case of North Brewing Co, Volta Compliance provided an installation that is electrically compliant, completely safe and keeps the site secure. However, it’s also one that maximises energy efficiency, provides a pleasant environment for customers and staff, and showcases their products in the best possible light.

Click here to find out more about Volta’s electrical installation services.