Entrepreneurs invest £500,000 in Bradford beer house

TWO entrepreneurs have invested £500,000 in the launch of a Bradford beer house.

Jas Bhatt and Kathy O’Brien, who also own Saltaire eatery The Boathouse Inn were awarded a £160,000 grant from the Bradford Council Growth Zone initiative towards the development, which will be creating 30 jobs.

The Beerhouse in North Parade is the latest addition to Bradford’s rapidly-growing leisure scene, and opened its doors to the public yesterday.

The Victorian building, previously home to Liverpool and Victoria’s commercial chambers, has undergone a major refurbishment to create the new venue, which will focus on offering a wide selection of craft beers along with Yorkshire Cask Ales, teamed with home-cooked pub food made from locally-sourced produce.

Mr Bhatt said: “After a lot of hard work by everyone involved and, of course, a few challenges, it’s very satisfying to see it all come together and we are delighted to be able to welcome our new customers to The Beerhouse.

“We’re extremely pleased with the results and we hope everyone will like it as much as we do.”

The Beerhouse is one of the new venues which have been part-funded by a Bradford City Centre Growth Zone grant from the council and, with 30 staff working in the large bar and kitchen, it is one of the biggest new job providers.

David Robertson-Brown of Gumption, who provides business support to Growth Zone clients under contract to Bradford council said: “The Beerhouse will bring further stability to the area’s growing hospitality offer and help to build its reputation as a quality destination.”

Designer of the restaurant David Craig of David Craig Design Consultancy in Saltaire said: “It’s been really rewarding working on the designs and I’m delighted to have helped give this fantastic building a new lease of life as The Beerhouse.

“Now we’re all looking forward to enjoying a well-earned pint and a meal as the doors are opened to the public.”