St John’s Brewery

New brewpub from disused railway arches

This structural engineering project saw us create trusses as a design feature and link two adjoining arches together with a space saving design for a new mezzanine floor, to support the brewing equipment for this new brewpub based in the heart of Hackney. Built underneath a live railway line, we had to run the project in close collaboration with Network Rail.

The pub is named after the parish church over the road, because like a church they wanted to create a welcoming space that everyone can enjoy that gives back to the local community. The central counter hosts a specially handcrafted bar at one end, with fresh beer tapped from the brewery tanks from the adjoining arch; the kitchen has an open barbecue and counter.

The whole space boasts an industrial design, with exposed brick, concrete floors and steel-framed windows, while a wooden structure on the ceiling creates a warmer ambiance. Outside, you’ll find a large terrace with ample seating and magical festoon lights.