Pomona Island Brew Co are stepping out of Escape To Freight Island and embarking on a new venture. Don’t worry, Pomona Island beers will still be available at the new craft beer bar at Freight Island, but the Pomona team have now set their sights on something a bit different.
Many of the Pomona team have worked in hospitality for years, and two of the directors set up The Gas Lamp on Bridge Street, so it’s natural that they’re ready to set sail on a new adventure.
Their new pub, North Westward Ho’ will take over part of the former Chaophraya site on Chapel Walks and Pall Mall, right above Sam’s Chophouse. Pomona and local design practice Up North Architects are currently renovating the beautiful building which should be ready to open in Spring 2023.
Although the new Pomona Island pub will be firmly on dry land, it’s name comes from the legendary old pub ship that was moored at Pomona Docks in the 70’s.
“We want the space to feel like a pub, not a bar and we want all the good things that come with that,” says a spokesperson from Pomona. “Pub spaces are for anyone, places where people come to commune, we need a bit of that right now. We want it to feel inclusive.
“This will be a - sort of - taproom for the brewery, but that on its own doesn’t really interest us. We like a venue with its own identity, where everyone’s welcome and catered for. This won’t just be a beer bar; it will have an incredible selection of drinks. It won’t just look like a bar; it will have that feel of a proper boozer. Something that will, hopefully, be around for years.”
North Westward Ho’ is due to open early/mid 2023.