Belgian-style brewer expands into central belt

A craft brewer founded by restaurateur and beer aficionado Robert Lindsay has chosen Glasgow as the location for its first bar outside of the North-east of Scotland.

North-east beer maker specialises in Belgian-style ales

Six°north, which specialises in Belgian-style beers, said it had opened a new venue on Dumbarton Road in the city’s Partick area. Plans are underway to open another site in the central belt, potentially in Edinburgh, the firm added yesterday.

The expansion forms part of a near-£1 million investment, which has been supported by Royal Bank of Scotland. Lindsay said: “This has been something we’ve been working on for some time and we felt Glasgow was the right place.

“We produce Belgian style beers and there has been a strong appetite for what we do in the North-east and further afield. Glasgow supports a number of independent brewers so we’re sure there will be interest in what we produce too.”

Lindsay’s interest in brewing began while living in Belgium, where he is said to have fallen in love with the country’s beers and the process involved in their manufacture. Following his return home he launched a brewery at the Marine Hotel in Stonehaven.

Including Glasgow, the business now operates three bars and the brewery and employs 75 people.

Lindsay added: “The market is strong for craft brewers. Customers are looking for something different and provenance is important to them.”

Martin Ramsay, relationship director with RBS’s corporate and commercial team in Aberdeen, said: “Craft breweries are important aspects of the lifestyle and food and drink sectors. Robert is passionate about what he does and we are delighted to have been able to support the expansion.”