ONE of the leading craft breweries in the UK has launched a new bar in Edinburgh after a successful crowdfunding campaign.
Porty Vault opened yesterday on Portobello High Street, right next to the original Vault City brewery.
With a capacity of 42, the bar serves up to 20 popular Vault City drinks with its 36 taps – including their White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake and Tonka Black Forest Gateau flavoured sour beers – alongside a range of guest beers, mead, cider and wines.
The bar even serves food, with award-winning chef Darren Lim serving his barbecue specialisms on an authentic American BBQ smoker.
The venture was brought to life by the backing of hundreds of beer fans, who crowdfunded more than £45,000 to help the owners bring their vision to life.
A former IT consultant, Vault City co-founder Steven Smith-Hay said he was “overwhelmed” with the support shown for the venue ahead of its opening.
He said: “Opening a bar and smokehouse in the heart of Portobello just five minutes from the brewery itself is an absolute dream come true – but knowing so many people have supported us along the way to bring this vision to life is the cherry on top.
“The people of Portobello have supported us from the moment we opened our brewery 18 months ago, so Porty Vault is our way of saying thank you.
“I’m completely overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from sour beer fans and locals alike, and I can’t wait to welcome everyone through the doors of the Porty Vault to share and celebrate our love for craft beer and authentic American BBQ food.” Vault City’s first bar,
The Wee Vault, opened in Haymarket last November, and the founders decided to open Porty Vault after its success.
“We love the vibrancy and personality that Portobello has to offer and we want to play our part in growing the local economy to help the area become the best it can be,” Smith-Hay added.
“This is an exciting step forward for Vault City.
“Although our roots are firmly in Portobello, it definitely feels as though there is scope to potentially expand outside of Edinburgh, if there is demand.
“However, our focus for the moment is still firmly on what we can achieve here in the capital and we’re just thrilled that more people are joining the sour beer movement.”
Vault City first launched its first range across the UK earlier this year.
Served in 200 bars, pubs and taprooms and available in Tesco stores nationwide, it has become the supermarket’s best-selling craft beer.
