The team behind 71 Brewing has announced a six figure investment with plans to open a restaurant and bar as part of the company’s strategy to bring together creative communities and to boost the cultural offering in Dundee. It follows the news that it is set to create an arts, events and gallery space on the upper floors of its premises at Bellfield Street.
The new restaurant, called The Maker, in Perth Road is the first venture into the food and drink service market by 71 Brewing, and once it’s up and running as a restaurant and bar, the basement area will be developed into a permanent music lounge venue, showcasing local jazz and blues musicians. Says the company, “The aim will be to give a city centre venue for regular acts as well as a hireable space.”
71 Brewing Managing Director, Duncan Alexander, said, “Dundee has come a long way in recent years but we think there is still a need for what we are offering.
“We want to be an integral part of the story of this city’s regeneration. Obviously, we want to keep building a successful business, but we also want to be part of Dundee’s journey.
“If we spot a gap in the market for a service or investment which would be good for the business and good for the city then we will go for it if we can.”
The Maker is part of an ongoing mini regeneration of the Perth Road area which was once the destination of choice for locals and students going or a night on the town. In recent months, several pubs and restaurants have opened in the area or have been refurbished.
Duncan said, “We are not looking to take customers away from other venues in the Perth Road. What we really want to do is to give people another reason to come into town for a night out. Everyone will benefit from that.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to create a new destination in the city for people who want high quality food and drink in a relaxed atmosphere.
“The menu will be pitched above pub grub but it’s not fine dining. We want people to feel comfortable either eating or just having a drink and knowing that they are going to get innovative food and a consistent quality.”
Duncan founded 71 Brewing in 2016 when he realised that the city had had no working brewery for more than 50 years. After a career in IT away from Dundee, Duncan decided to invest to fill the gap – a strategy that the company continue to follow.
Picture: Chris Symonds, Food and Beveridge Manager.
