Wadworth reveals plans for town centre shop in Wiltshire

Wadworth’s Brewery Tap and Shop, which had been located at the historic Northgate Street site for many years, closed at the end of March as part of the brewery’s move to its purpose-built Folly Road complex.

But the business has since submitted plans to convert the vacant unit next to The Three Crowns pub, on Maryport Street, into a replacement retail outlet.

While Wadworth awaits approval from Wiltshire Council over these plans, a temporary ‘pop up’ shop has been launched at The Bear Hotel in The Market Place, to meet demand.

This outlet opened in the Henry Addington room for the first time on Thursday, June 20, and will be open between 10am and 3pm from Thursday to Saturday each week.

Customers at the shop will be able to stock up on Wadworth’s traditional ales, Folly Road craft beer, and a range of gifts and merchandise.

READ MORE: First look inside Wadworth's new brewery in Devizes

Items available from the Wadworth pop up shop (Image: Wadworth)

In the long term, Wadworth says it is “vital” that it maintains a retail presence in the centre of Devizes, where it has operated for nearly 150 years.

If approved, its plans will see the renovation of the building adjoining The Three Crowns, which was in use as a cafe known as Emily’s Tea Rooms until around 10 years ago.

Since then, Wadworth has used the rear of the ground floor and the upper floor as temporary accommodation for employees when necessary.

The ground floor front room has been disused, other than for occasional storage uses.

Wadworth says converting this space into a retail unit would “breathe new life into an empty historical building and enhance the wider retail area.”

In the design and access statement, a spokesperson added: “Wadworth has been a feature in Devizes for nearly 150 years and, due to the closure of the Northgate site, a new home for the retail outlet needed to be found within the centre of Devizes.

The existing site next to The Three Crowns (Image: Wadworth)

“The retail outlet at Northgate Street was established over 10 years ago and was a popular attraction within the town for locals and tourists alike.

“It is vital that Wadworth maintains a presence within Devizes and in particular, the centre of town.

“Continued daily visits to the closed Northgate site, and the Brewery at Folly Road, by locals wanting to buy beer, shows demand continues for a local outlet.

“The shop will provide a place where loyal customers can fulfil their shopping needs.”