A new independent brewery, Siren Craft Brew, plans to open its doors in Cheltenham’s Brewery Quarter as early as September. The brewery, originally established in Berkshire in 2013, has built an award-winning reputation with three venues across its home county and an impressive brewing output equivalent to almost four million pints annually by 2026.
This opening marks Siren’s first expansion beyond Berkshire, taking over the site formerly occupied by BrewDog in Cheltenham. The venue will offer over 30 lines including brewery-fresh beer, cask ale, wines, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options, alongside a carefully curated food menu designed to enhance the town centre’s hospitality scene.
To involve the local community in its launch, Siren Craft Brew has launched a Crowdfunder campaign with an array of incentives for supporters. For a minimum pledge of £50, contributors will receive a 50% bonus in credit to spend at the new Cheltenham site or Siren’s online shop, effectively returning £75 in value. Higher pledges are available, with benefits scaling accordingly - for example, a £10,000 pledge would yield £15,000 in spending credit.
Beyond spending credit, contributors can also access other rewards including limited-edition merchandise, entry to exclusive events, having their name featured on a supporter’s wall, and for one generous backer, the opportunity to design and brew a beer alongside the Siren team.
Siren has a history of strong community engagement through crowdfunding. In 2018, it attracted around 1,500 investors via equity crowdfunding, and a previous campaign for the Reading town-centre taproom generated over £400,000 in bar credit from nearly 1,800 supporters.
Set in a location with more than 230 years of brewing heritage, the new Cheltenham venue is designed as a versatile social space welcoming both beer enthusiasts and those seeking other drinks. The layout will accommodate casual gatherings, quieter conversations, and private bookings.
Danny Wratten-Sanchez, hospitality area manager at Siren Craft Brew, highlighted the excitement surrounding the launch: “Our Crowdfunder connects us with Cheltenham residents early on, creating a buzz ahead of the opening. We want the venue to feel truly unique in Cheltenham, with the community’s support playing a big part.”
He added that the Brewery Quarter is keen to support independent venues, noting that Cheltenham already has a flourishing independent beer scene, with establishments like DEYA nearby.
The Crowdfunder is open for four weeks only, closing in the last week of September, with no planned extensions. The launch timeline for the new Siren site depends on building and operational schedules. Interested supporters are encouraged to contribute promptly to be part of this exciting new chapter for Cheltenham’s brewing scene.