Fresh tank beer becomes available in Crystal Palace
Gipsy Hill Brewing Company has installed tank beer at Westow House in London’s Crystal Palace. db finds out more about what makes this partnership special, eco-savvy and full of “shared values”.
Fresh Hepcat
Westow House, which is part of the Portobello Pub Company and was one of the first venues to make Gipsy Hill’s Hepcat IPA a permanent feature on tap, has had a longstanding relationship with the south London brewery.
Gipsy Hill, which is owned by Sunrise Alliance Beverages, has now invested further into the venue, adding a new tank beer installation to create a focal point in the pub.
Speaking to the drinks business about the installation, Portobello Pub Company managing director Richard Stringer said: “Our new installation at Westow House means the venue is serving the freshest Hepcat outside of Gipsy Hill Brewery. Hepcat has always been a popular drink at Westow House, so we are thrilled to be able to ensure that customers can now enjoy the freshest, high-quality pint possible. This is beer at its best: unpasteurised, unfiltered and brewery fresh.”
Partner Content
‘Better for the environment’
Stringer told db: “Introducing tank beer to a high-volume venue like Westow House brings so many added benefits, firstly there’s no need for Co2 which is better for the environment, it also reduces waste through keg changes and eliminates the need to store a large number of individual kegs, as well as offering a more stable, continuous and foam-free pour.”
The installation is supported by The Fresh Beer Co, Gipsy Hill’s tank beer partner, which also manages maintenance, line cleaning, and refills. The partnership between the businesses also allows pub venues and their teams to focus on service and their relationship with regulars rather than extra cellarmanship.
Gipsy Hill head of brand Mike Huddart added: “This project is a great example of what can happen when long-term relationships are built around shared values. Westow House has supported Hepcat from the very beginning, and seeing it move into tank beer at a venue so close to the brewery feels like a real milestone. It’s about freshness, quality, and backing the people and places that make our local beer scene what it is.”
The venue has officially re-opened post refurbishment and will celebrate the brand new tank installation with a party on 19 February that will be open to all.
Related news
Is 3.4% ABV 'the new normal' for beer?
