Ossett to open second Hop venue in Leeds

l Outside the Granary Wharf site in Leeds are, left to right, Mike Finkill and Hollie Reynolds, of developer ISIS, Mike Inman and Jamie Lawson, of Ossett Brewery, and David Deacon and Mark Howe, of ISIS

February 17, 2010: Award-winning Yorkshire brewery Ossett is to launch its first Leeds venue at the transformed Granary Wharf development, which has undergone a £40 million facelift by ISIS Waterside Regeneration.

Ossett has chosen a 2,500 square feet unit in two of the development’s existing railway arches as the location of its first Leeds venture. The space will be transformed into The Hop, due to open next month. It follows a similar venture, also called The Hop, opened in Wakefield, which combines real ale and live music in a city centre environment.

Ossett Brewery was founded in 1997 by former Tetley Leeds brewer Bob Lawson, now the company chairman. It is now run by his son, Jamie, and former Virgin Japan managing director, Mike Inman.

The brewery has 13 pubs across West Yorkshire, but The Hop is a new concept based around locally-brewed beers and live music. The initiative has seen the company team up with Mike Heaton, drummer from Yorkshire indie band Embrace.

Jamie Lawson said: “Granary Wharf has a perfect blend of modern building design and historic Leeds architecture, which includes the old station arches and the picturesque canal wharf. We could think of no better relaxing environment to enjoy real ales and listen to locally-sourced bands.”

The Hop will officially launch on Friday, March 26, with performances from a host of local musical talent. The new venue will feature 10 hand pulls, continental lagers, an extensive wine list and will also see the beginning of a partnership with award-winning pie maker Andrew Jones, of Huddersfield.