New Era for Docks Beers as Brewery Announces Major Expansion

Docks Beers has announced a major expansion into the neighbouring building alongside its iconic Church venue, marking the beginning of an ambitious new chapter for the Grimsby brewery. 

The development will significantly increase the size of the Docks Beers site, creating new space for food, retail, hospitality and events. 

The first section of the expanded site, The Food Hall, will be comparable in size to the existing Taproom and will be home to two local food vendors, an independent coffee shop and a dedicated Docks Beers can, bottle and merchandise store. 

The second section, The Warehouse, will provide a versatile events space approximately two and a half times the size of the existing Docks Academy. The space will be designed to accommodate everything from conferences, corporate events and exhibitions to artisan markets, weddings, private celebrations and large-scale live entertainment. 

Together with the existing Church venue, home to The Taproom and The Academy, the expanded site will create one of the region's most distinctive independent hospitality destinations. 

The expansion marks another significant milestone following Nick and Jay Kirkham acquiring a controlling interest in Docks Beers Ltd in March 2025. With the trust of shareholders David Everatt and Kevin Hopper, who originally invested alongside the Kirkham’s, Nick and Jay have focused on laying strong foundations for the future, investing in the team, shaping a long-term vision and taking Docks Beers into its next chapter. 

This latest investment reflects their confidence in both the future of Docks Beers and the future of the area itself. The expansion will also create new employment opportunities, further strengthening the business’s contribution to the local economy. 

Nick Kirkham, Director of Docks Beers, said: 

"Over the last 18 months we've spent a lot of time listening and learning. We've assembled a fantastic management team, developed a clear vision for the future, and we're incredibly excited about what's to come. Our expansion is about creating a destination that brings people together while showcasing the very best of Grimsby”. 

Jay Kirkham, Director of Docks Beers, added: 

“Our vision is to fill a gap in the market and build a destination that Grimsby can be proud of. A place where people can meet, celebrate, discover great independent businesses and enjoy great beer. The Warehouse gives us the flexibility to host everything from conferences and exhibitions to markets and community events, helping make Docks a place that can be enjoyed throughout the week. 

We're close to confirming a fantastic local food vendor for the space, and we'd love to hear from any coffee specialists who are interested in being part of what we're building. There are some brilliant independent operators across our region, and we want to work with people who share our passion for quality, hospitality and exceptional customer experiences. Together, we have an opportunity to create something truly special”. 

The expansion forms part of a wider programme of restructure and investment across the business, to ensure business sustainability, protect the employment of current staff and create new jobs for the people in the region. 

Over the coming months, customers will begin to see the next phase of Docks Beers' evolution, including new beers and an expanded programme of events. 

Further details about the development and its progress will be announced by Docks Beers over the coming months. For any further information or enquiries, contact Docks Beers at info@docksbeers.com.