The company has gone from strength to strength since entrepreneur Dal Dhillon made his business dream a reality in 2015. The brewery now employs over 70 staff and expects to create a further 50 new jobs over the next year.
Its head office has expanded and the business now runs three venues – Dhillon’s Brewery in Longford, Spire Bar and Sky Blue Tavern, both in Coventry city centre – as well as three sites within Coventry Building Society Arena.
A fourth venue is in the pipeline amid advanced plans to launch Elle’s Foodhall, a 7,000 sq ft venue at Coventry’s expanding train station that will feature local food vendors, barista coffee and a bar.
Dal Dhillon said: “It was great, and we were so proud, to welcome loyal patrons and partners to raise a glass to the past, present, and future of Dhillon's Brewery at our anniversary celebration, as a little way of saying ‘thank you’ for all the support we've received.
“Over the course of the last decade we have constantly been looking at opportunities for growth – whether that is through our range of beers, agreeing partnerships or opening new venues.
“As the brewery celebrates its 10th birthday, we will be looking to take the business to the next level and the opportunity at Elle’s Foodhall is a major part of that strategy.
“We're really grateful to be working with the city on the Friargate 2 project and will be opening our doors at the end of the year. There are also other units opening outside of Coventry, with more details to follow early next year.
“When I think back to starting the business and how far we have come, it has been an incredible journey. But one thing has been a constant throughout those years, and that’s the support of people in Coventry.
“Our best-selling beers pay homage to the city that has embraced Dhillon’s Brewery and we’re always looking at new ways to give back to the city; be that by employing local people or by supporting charities that do important work.
“We’re excited about what the future holds for the brewery. Our aim is to put Coventry firmly on the hospitality and leisure map through the work we're doing nationally and internationally.”
Dhillon’s Brewery run a series offers and giveaways through July to thank its community of loyal customers. One hundred free beers were served at each of its venues every Friday at 5pm, thousands of prizes were made available on Dhillon’s scratch cards that were given away for free.
A limited edition 10-year beer hamper, featuring 10 beers, was sold for £10 and a limited edition beer, named Brew X!, was released to mark the occasion.
The brewery has produced nearly 100 different beers since it launched and has won more than 40 awards, including Pub of the Year, Independent Beer Awards, Craft Beer Producer of the Year Awards, and awards for its contribution to Coventry.
Its venues pride themselves as inclusive and welcoming to all, with a broad customer base including football fanatics, beer enthusiasts, bhangra lovers, kabaddi supporters and motor bike experts, among others.
Dhillon’s Brewery is a partner of Destination Coventry, which includes Visit Coventry and Coventry & Warwickshire Convention Bureau.
Paul McMahon, Managing Director of Destination Coventry, added: “Dhillon’s Brewery has grown from a start-up to a thriving, award-winning business that is at the heart of the visitor economy here in Coventry. We are proud to work with Dhillon’s Brewery as a key partner in promoting the city.”
