The recent and sudden closing of the Urban left a more than few heads spinning on the Shrewsbury restaurant scene. The change is good news for one firm, for securing a coveted spot on the Worcester restaurant scene has been on the British Beer Company principal Gary Simon’s radar for some time.
WorcesterScene spoke with Lisa Fosdick, BBC’s Director of Public Relations: “We’re delighted we’ve landed on Shrewsbury Street – we’re in great company with the other great restaurants here. This building is beautiful inside and out, and we’ll be able to offer outdoor seating and the parking is ideal, too.”
The British Beer Company, a privately held chain of 13 pub-style restaurants, started some 17 years ago: founders Harry Gnonk and Gary Simon loved British beers and since could not find them stateside, they launched their first traditional, British-style pub.
Little did the BBC founders know, said Fosdick, how spot on their craft-ale-focused venues would become.
With so many restaurants struggling to manage the wave of change and growth in the craft beer industry, we asked Fosdick what keeps the BBC concept fresh. “Everyone says it, but we live it – we are totally dedicated to our customers. Each of our BBC location is loaded with local personality. We serve local craft beers and distilled spirits, we source food locally and we are always working hard to keep our food delicious and affordable for families, too. That’s been our key to maintaining a loyal patrons.”
Workers will begin to transform the new Shrewsbury Street venue this fall. Once again, BBC has secured Andy Thornton Interiors, the UK’s largest provider of architectural salvage, to outfit the space with authentic pub features and fixtures.
And as for the food? Expect pub-food favorites with a twist. Executive Chef James Gibney and his team have created a menu that mixes traditional British fare such as bangers and mash with artisan pizzas mouthwatering burgers and more, all paired with select British ales and crowd-favorite local craft beers. “It’s this eclectic mix that gives each of the BBC 13 locations their uniquely down-home, neighborhood hangout appeal.”