A VEGETARIAN and vegan-friendly brewery is to take the Rose and Crown pub in Sunbridgewells under its wing.

The drinking spot, which is thought to date back to the 1870s, had been managed by the team at Sunbridgewells, but as of August 12 will be operated by Nomadic Beers.

It marks the first pub addition to the Leeds-based brewery.

Owner Katie Marriott said: “We’d contacted Sunbridgewells about having our beers on in some of the bars, when Paul Gallagher, who looks after the whole complex, got in touch and asked if we’d like to fully manage the Rose and Crown instead.”

The brewery has partnered up with ‘Beer Evangelist’ Mike Hampshire, of Mike’s Tap Room, to take the pub on as part of the Nomadic Beers brand.

Mike’s focus is to spread the positive word about beer. He runs tours and events to share his knowledge and experience, but also helps small businesses to develop within the industry.

“It’s fantastic to be taking on such a historic venue in the heart of Bradford,” said Mike, director of Nomadic Tap Rooms Ltd.

“It’s a chance to help Bradford drive towards it’s potential of a great city centre destination and we can showcase Nomadic Beers in a market we haven’t had much exposure in yet.”

He added: “The pub is free of tie, so as well as permanent Nomadic Beers lines, we can feature and support other local, small independent drinks producers and bring something new to Bradford.

“We’ll also be creating local jobs with a long-term plan of giving opportunity to young people just beginning their working career and those with learning difficulties.”

Paul added: “We’ve been looking for field experts to take on each of our venues in Sunbridgewells.

“I liked the Nomadic brand and I think it will work really well with the Rose and Crown.”

The pub will initially open Thursday to Saturday, 12pm until 11pm each week, with the official opening taking place on Friday, August 16.

Katie said: “For opening weekend we’ll have a full cask tap takeover of Nomadic Beers, plus some other new drinks not seen before in the Rose and Crown.”

All of the brewery’s beers are suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

It also produces special beers at least twice a month, staying true to its ‘nomadic’ ethos of wandering beer styles.

Its core beers include the 3.8 per cent flagship pale ale, the 4.4 per cent ‘Strider’, which features caramel and biscuit flavours, and the 4.8 per cent ‘Bandit’ - an American pale ale which has a pine and citrus aroma and taste.

For more information about the Rose and Crown and upcoming events, visit www.facebook.com/roseandcrownbfd.

Find Nomadic Beers at www.nomadicbeers.co.uk.