Powder Monkey Brewing Co set to move into lower Guildhall
Andover residents can look forward to welcoming a new business to the High Street this year as Hampshire brewing company, Powder Monkey, will be taking over occupation of the lower Guildhall.
The ground level of the town’s Grade II Listed building has been empty since its previous tenants went into administration and Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC), which owns the building, has been working to bring it back into use.
Last year the council provided an opportunity for local food and beverage businesses to apply to take over the town centre venue and Powder Monkey beat off strong competition to secure the space and the company has recently signed up to take a lease of the premises.
Ahead of opening Powder Monkey is planning to make some changes to the appearance of the interior space. The company currently operates within another historic building in Gosport that offers a relaxed space for customers, and they will use their knowledge from running this location to ensure the décor in the lower Guildhall will complement the town’s iconic building.
Powder Monkey brews a diverse range of beers, which will be served in the new venue, along with fresh, locally sourced food and other artisan drinks. The company is planning create a multi-use space which will host special events and provide live music on occasion.
Leader of the council, Cllr Phil North said: “A great deal of work has gone into bringing the Lower Guildhall back into use and I’m delighted that we will be welcoming a brand new business into the town. This will be a fantastic new offering, providing a place where residents and visitors can relax and socialise.
“With major town centre redevelopment works soon to commence, including the creation of a new theatre just behind the Guildhall, this is a really exciting time for Powder Monkey to be coming to Andover and we will be keeping residents updated with their plans to open over the next few months.”
Andy Burdon, Powder Monkey Group CEO, said: “We are delighted to be bringing Powder Monkey to Andover and excited to be operating in such an amazing space as the Guildhall. This complements our operations in Gosport and the Isle of Wight well, and we are looking forward to engaging with the community.”
A planning application to enable Powder Monkey to commence business has been submitted.