Brewpub owners gets positive feedback after delayed opening

Scarlet River Brewing Company was set up by former Tap Social head brewer Jason Bolger and his partner Niki Sibson, a scientist and medical researcher.

The new pub, Scarlet River, next to Marks & Spencer in Marriotts Walk shopping centre, had been due to open in January but the 10-year lease was only signed in February following delays with construction.

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The brewpub finally opened its doors to customers last month. It’s the Oxford Mail Pub of the Week.

Niki Sibson and Jason Bolger (Image: Oxford Drinker)

Seating up to 50 inside and 30 outside, the brewery, taproom and café occupies a unit in the shopping centre that has not been used since the complex opened in 2009.

Although its output will be mainly craft beer served directly from tanks, the pub will have one hand pump which Mr Bolger describes as “cask style”.

His interest in “cask style” brews continues with Old Curmudgeon Bitter, a tasty 3.8% beer.

The first brews available are otherwise craft keg with IPAs, lagers, a stout, a wheat beer and a Belgian pale.

Purbeck Cider is available from Dorset, and a Scarlet River-branded gin and spiced rum are supplied by Abingdon Distillery. Wines and soft drinks are also available.

Beers for sale at Scarlet River (Image: Oxford Drinker)

All brewing takes place on the premises in the 500-litre kit behind the bar.

This is the first time commercial brewing has taken place in Witney since Wychwood brewery closed in 2023.

“We have had some very positive feedback, and have been full at times with 60-65 people seated inside and outside,” Mr Bolger told CAMRA’s Oxford Drinker magazine.

“We are seeing all kinds of customers from youngsters to seasoned ale drinkers.

“This is a dream come true, and we’re just keeping our heads above water at present. But we will serve food in due course, and are looking to recruit ex-services people in senior positions.”

Scarlet River hopes to work with former Army and Air Force personnel who sometimes find it challenging to move into civilian life, whereas Tap Social brewery in Oxford works with ex-offenders.

At the moment, the opening hours are: closed on Mondays, open from 10.30am-5pm on Tuesdays, 10.30am-10pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10.30am-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11am-6pm on Sundays.

The long-term aim is to move to an all-day café-bar operation.

Large-sale commercial brewing in Witney started in the 1830s when Clinch’s brewery was formed, with the former Glenny brewery becoming Wychwood in 1989.

Mr Bolger said earlier: “Niki and I are extremely excited to be bringing brewing back to Witney, as it does have a long history of breweries serving local communities.

“We hope to continue this and welcome everyone very soon.”

The couple’s children are called Scarlet and River – the inspiration for the brewpub’s name.