Plans revealed for epic Exeter shipping container bar

-Credit: (Image: James Pearce Architects)
-Credit: (Image: James Pearce Architects)


A Devon brewery has revealed more details of its plans for a new pub at an Exeter industrial estate. They have opted for a unique design, which could be the first of its kind in the city.

Crossed Anchors Brewery, which is behind The Grapevine in Exmouth and The Old Firestation in Topsham, has submitted a planning application for a new microbrewery and taproom at the Vulcan Industrial Estate on Exeter's Water Lane. Last week, an application for a premises licence on the estate confirmed their plans to expand into Exeter.

More details about their proposed new venture have been revealed in the latest application, which requests permission to install shipping containers on the site. These would be erected opposite an existing building, which the brewery plans to use as a brewing facility as they have outgrown the outbuilding that they are currently using in Exmouth.

READ MORE:Person seriously injured after car collides with wall in Exeter

READ MORE:Exeter road closed after car smashes into lamppost and wall

A document in the application says: "Crossed Anchors Brewery (CAB) has been brewing from an outbuilding to the rear of their pub in Exmouth since 2015. They opened another pub and brewery in an old fire-station on Topsham high street in 2023.

⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️

"They have outgrown their brewing facilities in both locations, so propose to set up a larger facility in Unit 16 which will accommodate future production needs and growth."

The shipping containers are to be used partly as a taproom, with extra units to be used by "related tenants". In the application, it says the containers have been chosen to match the "industrial theme of the area", allow for "growth" and can be removed at the end of the lease period.

They say the design is inspired by other bars in Bristol, London and Liverpool, which are housed in similar industrial-style buildings. The application says: "There are a number of precedents built in other cities. These developments have a collection of hospitality, retail or food outlets housed within storage containers.

"This has been a concept that provides a vibrant environment that accommodates a variety of small businesses, often startups that are allowed to set up to trade on flexible leases".

The full planning application can be viewed on Exeter City Council's website here.