The Orkney Brewery has opened a stunning new retail space in Kirkwall’s town centre, bringing its award-winning range of beers directly to local customers and visitors shopping in the historic heart of the islands’ capital.
The Peedie Bottle Shop (peedie is Orcadian for small), situated in busy Albert Street, has been in planning for the past year and officially opened its doors at the weekend.
Designed to mirror the look, feel and finish of Orkney Brewery’s five-star visitor centre in Quoyloo, in the west of the Orkney Mainland, the shop is stocked with the company’s full bottled line-up and a number of shop exclusives, including its new canned Runic range and Long Strides ale, which is helping raise funds for the John Rae Society.
Customers will also find the brewery’s popular collection of merchandise on sale, along with a variety of high-quality snacks, specially chosen to complement the premium Orkney Brewery beers.
Beer samples will be available in the shop, along with takeaway coffee, with plans to use the versatile space for special events and tastings throughout the year.
Two full time jobs and several part time posts have been created with the opening of the shop, which it’s hoped will help add a further boost to retail activity in Kirkwall.
Norman Sinclair, managing director of the Orkney Brewery, said: “We’ve long been conscious that not everyone has the time to make it out to our brewery and visitor centre in Quoyloo, particularly if they’re just visiting Orkney for the day, but we were also keen to create a high-quality retail space in town that could be enjoyed by local folk, just as much as tourists.
“Our beers do very well here at home in Orkney, so it’s fitting that we’re now able to offer them to all of our customers, right in the heart of our islands’ capital. We’re also proud to be playing a part in helping ensure Kirkwall remains a vibrant and busy town centre.”
“All of the local contractors involved in creating the new shop have done a tremendous job and I’d like to pay tribute to them for their efforts. It was vital for us that the space reflected the atmosphere and standard of our visitor centre, and the care and attention to detail we take with our beers, and we’re absolutely delighted with how it’s all turned out. Customers will notice lots of beautiful design features, from our bespoke shelving, sales area and bar, to our specially commissioned lighting and flooring.
“We now have a beautiful and versatile shop, sampling area and multi-purpose space. It’s early days, but our plan is to offer all kinds of different experiences and events within the premises, and we very much look forward to welcoming customers through the doors.”
The new Runic range represents the first time the Orkney Brewery has offered canned beers, which will primarily be aimed at the UK market. There are three styles available - SKARA Blonde IPA, HAFN Helles Lager and BRODGAR Bere Beer. They come in 440 ml size, with striking new designs using rune symbols linking to key locations and landmarks in Orkney.
The beers will initially be available in the new shop, the brewery itself and online through the brewery website. The plan is also to introduce the range to independent speciality Off Trade stores.