Proudly supporting local craftspeople
We’re owned and run by New Brewery Arts next door. New Brewery Arts is a charity that celebrates craft and creativity for all, these values are reflected in the crafted touches throughout The Barrel Store. From locally-made warm woollen throws to wrap up in, to artisan-made chairs and light shades, this is a hostel which makes the most of its association with craft to create a hostel with a real difference.
You can explore your own creativity while you stay with and take part in a craft workshop, pop in to the onsite craft studios, and the shop and gallery at New Brewery Arts next door.
metal
Charterbrae were asked to design comfortable, high quality beds suitable for our rooms. Shaped by hand and made by ‘Black Country’ traditional trained welders, the beds are built to last, whilst conforming to the latest British Standard Safety Regulations.
glass
Loco Glass, based at New Brewery Arts, designed and produced our bespoke swallow pendant shade. Loco are one of the on-site makers at New Brewery Arts and their studio is a few steps from The Barrel Store - visitors are welcome to come and see them glass blowing!
wood
Sitting Firm see chairmaking as a living tradition and are known for making modern Windsor chairs. We're lucky enough to have their beautiful chairs in the Community Room at The Barrel Store.
wool
Cotswold Woollen Weavers who are based in Filkins, not far from Cirencester, made our colourful Shetland wool throws. The long silky wool of the hardy Shetland sheep with its combination of softness, warmth and durability keep you warm at The Barrel Store.
history
After Cirencester Brewery closed in 1937, the buildings remained disused for a number of years until a local group proposed their repair, transforming them into craft workshops, which opened in 1978. The Brewery's old barrel store became the Niccol Centre, providing classes, courses and a theatre space and, in 1990, joined with the workshops to form Brewery Arts.
Following extensive redesign and refurbishment, the current galleries, shop, workshops and café of New Brewery Arts opened in 2008 and, in 2016 New Brewery Arts opened The Barrel Store, another chapter in the history of the Cirencester Brewery buildings.
