Rock Leopard Brewing Co has launched a Crowdfunder to deliver an ambitious brew pub project in Thamesmead, south east London.
The venue, which will be the brewery’s first bricks-and-mortar premises, will act as a community hub, providing jobs and skills training through an NVQ programme offered to students at the nearby Shooters Hill Sixth Form College.
So far, they have raised around £11,000 towards their target of £50,000 with nine days until the Crowdfunder closes.
Rock Leopard is one of only a handful of Black-owned breweries currently operating in the UK and founder Stacey Ayeh hopes the new venue will help to inspire the next generation of people from underrepresented and minority groups to enter the industry and make their mark.
He said: “On the whole, I think what sets craft beer apart from big beer is the stories behind the breweries and, when done right, the positive impact they have in their local communities. Seeing the passion and dedication that goes into making these delicious drinks really adds to the pride people can feel about their community. It’s time to expand that community and show it could be possible to expand ownership and agency.”
Since being founded in 2017, Rock Leopard has produced its highly-regarded beer by cuckoo brewing, making use of spare production capacity and equipment at established breweries such as Cloudwater and Drop Project.
But, having sold 150,000 cans of beer over the past three years and established a strong reputation for quality and consistency, Ayeh is looking to put down roots.
The proposed new venue is situated at the heart of a major regeneration project and will not only serve craft beer and food but also allow Rock Leopard beers to be brewed and packaged into cask, keg, can and bottle on site.
In order to make this dream a reality, Rock Leopard is seeking £50,000 via Crowdfunder and offering a series of rewards to investors who help them reach the target. The campaign runs until April 28th.
Ayeh said: “Become part of history in the making. Become part of the promise of craft beer. Your help will keep this promise alive – craft beer for all.”
ENDS
Press release from Rock Leopard Brewing Co
For media enquiries, contact Stacey Ayeh on stacey@rockleopardbrewing.com or 07961 977498