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Crafting Success:
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PHOTO: Mr. Brown, the visionary behind “The Craftsman,”
stands proudly at the heart of his craft beer sanctuary,
where dreams and hops converge to create a unique hospitality experience.
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The Brown Family’s Journey into Hospitality
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The Browns of Warwick Embrace Entrepreneurship with “The Craftsman” – A Craft Beer Oasis That Redefines Hospitality
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Discover the Brown family’s unexpected leap into the hospitality world with “The Craftsman,” a craft beer haven in Warwick. Led by Harvey, their diverse beer menu includes 16 rotating taps and 50 bottled options. Harvey’s switch from sports aspirations to entrepreneurship led to this unique venture, offering an exclusive 16-beer flight experience. The family’s unity and determination have transformed a dream into a flourishing reality.
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In a surprising twist of fate, a family of entrepreneurs hailing from Warwick have embarked on a novel venture in the realm of hospitality. The Browns – Father Paul, son Harvey, mother Jacqui, and brother Regan – have unveiled their latest creation, “The Craftsman,” a captivating craft beer bar and shop nestled on Smith Street. This charming establishment, which made its grand debut just last month, has already begun to captivate the craft beer community with its diverse selection of brews and inviting ambiance.
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At the heart of The Craftsman lies an extensive beer menu, boasting an impressive array of 16 rotating beers on tap, alongside a staggering collection of over 50 distinct product ranges available in the bottle shop. The innovation doesn’t stop at the selection – patrons can savor their beverages in various sizes, ranging from third, half, to two third pint servings. Remarkably, this establishment has taken flight as the exclusive purveyor of 16-beer flights, allowing patrons to sample a third-pint pour from each of their taps. The selection spans from hoppy IPAs and pale ales to indulgent stouts, zesty fruit sours, and refreshing lagers. For those seeking to take the experience home, the option of “growlers” – takeaway containers – is at their disposal. To complement this craft beer haven, a curated selection of wines, spirits, liqueurs, and ciders is also on offer.
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The driving force behind this venture is none other than 20-year-old Harvey Brown, whose journey diverged from his initial aspirations of becoming a sports agent. Harvey reflects, “I had offers from a couple of universities that sold me a dream about entering the industry, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. When I returned from uni during Christmas after the first semester, I shared my feelings with my parents – I wasn’t enjoying it, and I knew I had to make a change.”
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Inspired by his father’s decades-long experience in managing small businesses, Harvey’s newfound entrepreneurial spirit led him to the doors of the once-vacant premises of the Switch and Revive café. The result was The Craftsman, a culmination of Harvey’s vision and determination. Harvey remarks, “It all began with a wild conversation at Christmas about taking over my girlfriend’s dad’s beer shop in Warwick. He was considering selling, and I saw it as an amazing opportunity to step into the business world. So, I left university and became a co-owner of Warwick Real Ale with my father. After a few incredible months, where I absorbed a wealth of knowledge about beer and business, we realized it wasn’t a sustainable venture. Then, the opportunity for the old Switch unit emerged, and we seized it.”
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This leap of faith has proven transformative, with Harvey’s understanding of beer deepening as he engages with the vibrant craft beer community. The journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but Harvey’s dedication and enthusiasm are evident.
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Complementing the impressive beer lineup, The Craftsman offers a thoughtfully curated food menu overseen by head chef and general manager Lee Mallen. The emphasis is on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and Lee’s culinary mastery shines through in each dish. As a familiar face in the venue, Lee previously spearheaded culinary teams at the cafés that once occupied the space.
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The Browns are passionate about supporting local producers, forging partnerships with microbreweries and coffee suppliers alike. Harvey expresses his joy in introducing patrons to new brews, sharing, “There’s immense satisfaction in bringing in new beer, putting it on tap, and seeing seasoned craft beer enthusiasts discover something they adore. It’s a rewarding experience.”
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The Browns’ hard work has not gone unnoticed, as enthusiasts from far and wide are drawn to The Craftsman for its expansive and ever-evolving beer selection. Harvey encapsulates the essence, noting, “What we provide is an unparalleled experience. Craft beer enthusiasts are a wonderful community. We’re truly relishing this journey.”
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Though stepping into the hospitality industry was an uncharted territory for the Brown family, their determination, collective experience, and the lessons drawn from their surroundings have propelled them forward. As Paul acknowledges, “Venturing into hospitality as owners was entirely new, but we’ve drawn upon our combined business and consumer insights. Learning from industry experts around us has been invaluable.”
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As they dream beyond their current establishment, the Browns aspire to establish a chain of similar venues, carrying forward the “Craftsman” legacy to new locales. The dynamic of working within a family setup is not without its challenges, but as Jacqui affirms, “Like any family, we have our disagreements. However, we communicate, find common ground, and move ahead.”
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The Craftsman is a tale of serendipity, where an unforeseen opportunity led the Brown family on a remarkable journey of transformation and success. Their story is a testament to the potential that unfolds when passion, collaboration, and determination converge.
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PHOTO: The Brown family – Harvey, Jacqui, and Paul – united in front of their creation,
“The Craftsman,” a labor of love that blends family bonds with a passion for craft beer,
redefining Warwick’s hospitality scene.*
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