The Upper Thames Brewing Company, a Woodstock, Ontario-based microbrewery, has expanded its business by opening a brewpub at the location of the former Sally Creek Bistro.
The new location will offer the 24 different brews produced by Upper Thames, as well as a selection of pub food, and it will have more seating room than the taproom at their brewery. The new venture will also contribute to the Woodstock economy by creating 35 new jobs.
When Upper Thames opened three years ago, Woodstock was considered by some to be “one of the last untouched craft beer markets in Ontario”. That is no longer the case, and Upper Thames has had its products sold across the province through The Beer Store and the LCBO. It is part of the surge of locally-brewed beers that have gained popularity in recent years, often using colourful names, creative graphic design, social media presence, and creative advertising using methods like flyer printing to hold their own against the big ad budgets of larger beer companies.
The Brickhouse Brewpub, as Upper Thames has dubbed it, officially opened on December 17. The menu features pub fare like grilled cheese rolls, parmesan tater tots, and waffle nachos, with more items to be added in the coming weeks. All of the Upper Thames beers are available, including standards like Backpaddle Blonde Ale and Timber Beast Brown Ale, as well as specialties like Lazy Fox Amber Ale or Double West Coast Red. For those looking to take home a pack, the brewpub also features a retail section.
