The Brewery, a landmark venue steeped in history, is set to embark on a new chapter following its acquisition by Rhubarb Hospitality Collection. This transaction signals a fresh phase for the 274-year-old site, which has been a key fixture in London since the days when the city’s breweries were among its most recognisable landmarks.
In its heyday, Barclay, Perkins & Co’s Anchor Brewery in Southwark was a renowned tourist attraction, producing over 300,000 barrels annually. Similarly, Samuel Whitbread’s steam-powered brewery on Chiswell Street, once the world’s largest, was a marvel of its time. Although brewing ceased at The Brewery in 1976, the site has remained significant, evolving into one of London’s premier conference and banqueting venues.
Rhubarb’s acquisition, announced today, further strengthens its presence in the UK, bringing its workforce to over 2,500 employees. Known for managing high-profile London venues such as Sky Garden, 22 Bishopsgate, and the Royal Albert Hall, Rhubarb also operates in New York and Berlin, delivering over 1,500 events annually across more than 60 sites.
The purchase is backed by Oak View Group, an American property investor specialising in live experiences and premium hospitality. Oak View Group, which took ownership of Rhubarb in 2023, recently launched the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, albeit with some initial challenges.
The grade II listed Brewery, under the management of Chief Executive James Varah, hosts over 500 events each year. Varah will collaborate closely with Rhubarb’s CEO, Pieter-Bas Jacobse, to expand their portfolio of premium London venues.
Whitbread originally operated The Brewery as a conference and banqueting centre until 2005, when it was sold for an estimated £45 million to £50 million. The site was subsequently divided, with the office space being sold separately and later developed into serviced apartments by other entities.
Today, The Brewery and its adjacent hotel, part of the Montcalm brand owned by Precis Advisory, operate independently. Rhubarb’s acquisition pertains solely to the conference and banqueting business and does not affect the Montcalm hotel, which remains one of more than 20 properties under Precis Advisory’s management.