A brewing dream

Two years ago, Peter Rhodes realised a dream by opening his own micro-brewery in Wokingham. The unit, in Alexandra Court, is compact and fitted out in a comfortable but industrial style with seating right next to the brewing vessels so customers feel as though they are part of the process. The location falls within the site of the old Headington & Son brewery, which was sold in 1921, exactly 100 years before this brewery opened. Headington’s memorabilia can be seen above the bar paying homage to its predecessor. My Wokingham spoke to Peter about his hopes and dreams.

1. How did you first get into home brewing?

I’ve always wanted to try out things a little different to the norm. Growing up with a chef Dad, I have always had a keen eye in the hospitality sector and brewing some beer felt like a great idea. Can’t be that bad because I’m still going!

2. What did you like about it that inspired a business?

I took a redundancy at the start of lockdown and had a lot of time on my hands to think about where I’m going next in life. A few nudges from friends and family who believed in my abilities to run a brewpub got me over the line.

The idea of brewing beer for a living instead of being stuck in an office is a no brainer for me.

3. Where did the name Outhouse Brewery come from?

In lockdown I was staying at my girlfriend’s house and her house has a converted outhouse in the garden (utility room) that I quickly took over for brewing. When brewing I would say I was ‘going to the outhouse’ and the name was born.

4. How did you select your premises? What appealed to you about the area? It took a while to find a premises. We nearly opened in a small lock-up in Bracknell, but I stumbled across our current unit and pictured people walking past and looking into the windows, seeing the shiny silver fermenters. I think it has worked so far! Wokingham is a nice place and it’s reflective of our customers; they’re a pretty nice bunch of people.

5. Why did you choose Wokingham? Are you local to the area?

I chose Wokingham because I live here and have done for six years now but also because I know the market better than other areas. Who in Wokingham doesn’t know the drinking trade of Wokingham??

ple of an item that has come from just down the road. They have a deli counter with other cheeses and cured meats, sell crackers and dips, pastries and pasta as well as wine and a vast array of soft drinks. There are even a few eco gifts including wine bottles given a new lease of life and turned into vessels for gorgeous smelling candles, soaps and beeswax wraps.

Now into his third year of trading, Phil says it’s not been easy with the uncertainty in the economy but he loves being part of the Wokingham business community.

Phil’s Good Food is based at 2-4, Broad Street, Wokingham, RG40 1AB. For more information, call 0118 978 5155 or visit www.philsgoodfood.co.uk

6. Do you consider it a real family business?

My girlfriend Ellen and her family are always helping and contributing towards our operation, so I would say we’re a family business indeed. My Dad is good at taste testing the product (can’t wait for him to read that comment!)

7. What are your plans for the future? More premises etc?

I don’t want to give too much away, but we are actively looking for a second location. We will still brew all of our beers on site and keep with our USP of a being a brewpub.

8. Where does inspiration for the names of your beers come from and how do you select the other beers?

Beer names is probably the toughest part of my job. I come up with names based on experiences in life. For example, ‘Journey Juice’ is the name my girlfriend and I give to our drinks when we’re travelling on a day out somewhere (the train, not driving, of course). Sometimes our staff name them. We’ve even had customers name beers. Our guest beers are selected based on what styles we want to ensure we have on our taps. We like to try and cover as many styles as possible in our 10 taps.

9. Do you hope to expand your special evenings and guest events?

Yes and I would recommend following us on social media or subscribing on our website to keep up to date with what’s going on. There’s lots of things to come! Our weekly quiz night is now in full force, each Wednesday at 7pm. Booking is recommended.

The Outhouse Brewery Ltd. Is at Unit 4 Southgate House, Alexandra Court, Wokingham, RG40 2SL. Email info@theouthousebrewery.com or visit www.theouthousebrewery.com