Transformation of a former dairy into a flagship taproom for Leeds’ favourite craft brewery
Kirkstall Brewery
Kirkstall Brewery is one of the leading lights of Leeds’ independent hospitality scene. The brewery continues a legacy of brewing left by the Cistercian monks of Kirkstall Abbey and the Kirkstall Brewery Company of 1833-1983, and owns a number of traditional pubs across the city.
For their flagship premises, Group Ginger repurposed the former Medina Dairy on Kirkstall Road. An exercise in adaptive re-use and radical retrofit, the project reclads an existing mid-century office building to refresh its appearance with a contemporary envelope, making it more attractive and open to visitors.
Located on a busy dual carriageway on the city fringes, the design seeks to reclaim the street for pedestrian activity. The new, more permeable facade allows views into the brewery production area, creating theatre from the brewing process, and inviting passers-by in. The building houses the brewing facilties, with an onsite taproom and kitchen to the front.
The client completed the interior design and fitout themselves, using the owner’s sizeable personal collection of brewerania and salvaged architectural elements to create a space which has the look and feel of historic, community pubs.
Details
Clients
Kirkstall Brewing Company
Status
Ongoing
