Largest BrewDog bar in the world to open in London Waterloo

Scottish brewer BrewDog has confirmed that it will be opening its global flagship bar in London’s Waterloo on 18 August.

The company first announced its plans to launch the 27,500 sq ft venue, due to be the biggest BrewDog in the world, in October 2021.

The extensive bar and restaurant, which spans across two floors, will also feature co-working spaces, a micro-brewery, a Grind café and a retro ice-cream van serving Hackney Gelato.

Further additions include a cocktail hideaway, curated by London mixologist ‘the Cocktail Guy’ Rich Woods, and a fully equipped podcast studio as part of the Waterloo Podcast Project.

The launch will also see BrewDog give out 100 free podcast recording slots to creators, as well as a chance for the first 200 guests on opening day to win tickets to BrewDog Las Vegas.

BrewDog Waterloo will be one of the first bars to open since the publication of the company’s ‘BrewDog Blueprint’ in May, which stated that half of profits made by each venue will be shared directly with on-site staff.

The company has made an effort to improve its support for staff after it was accused of fostering a ‘culture of fear’ by over 100 former employees in June 2021.

BrewDog later hired consultancy firm Wiser to conduct a review of the business and admitted it had "made mistakes". Co-founder James Watt said he took "personal responsibility" for the situation.

Watt said: “Our plans for BrewDog Waterloo are as exciting as the city it lies at the heart of. This is our new flagship bar for London so we are making it a true destination."

Woods added: “I’ve followed BrewDog’s rise over the years and find myself fortunate to now be working alongside them and I look forward to a long and stellar partnership.

“Just like the venue itself, I will be taking inspiration from the classic speakeasy. The cocktail menu sees such classics as the New York Sour and Margarita, reimagined using modern techniques, to deliver both impactful and delicious drinks.”

BrewDog launched in 2007 and runs more than 100 bars across the globe, as well as five hotels.