Batch Bottlestore says it has had an “incredible” reaction since deciding to launch a craft beer service after being added to the government’s list of essential UK retailers allowed to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.
The King’s Court business has temporarily closed its bar and is now focusing on selling an extensive range of craft ales, gins, spirits and natural wine.
With strict adherence to social distancing guidelines, it’s opening between 12pm and 5pm on Saturdays and is running a collection service on other days.
The chance to keep their business going in some form has been a relief for founders Chris Bardsley and Will Brown, who had launched Batch Deli in the unit next door just days before the shutdown came last month.
Chris told us: “The Saturdays have been incredible – the support has been just great. We’re obviously disappointed about the deli but people are in worse positions than us.
“We’re very confident we’ll be fine if and when this all blows over.”
Batch is also offering a weekly “growler” fill – beer straight from their keg into a jug.
And both Chris and Will are trying to keep customers happy with an even more personalised service than usual.
Chris added: “Neither of us drive so a home delivery service is tough if we can’t walk it round (which we’re happy to do if you can’t leave the house). However, as we both live a short walk away from Batch we are meeting anyone, anytime during the week for a more personalised shop.
“We’ll also put together a mixed case for you as well if you don’t want to choose yourself or maybe you’re organising a Zoom beer tasting session. Just give us a budget and roughly what you like, and we’ll sort it.”
Batch say they are taking all possible precautions, with hand sanitisers throughout the shop and a maximum of two people allowed in the shop at a time.
Current offers include 10% off when buying 10 beers, and a 20% discount when buying 24.
Batch Bottlestore, 6 Kings Court, Railway St, Altrincham WA14 2RD. Follow @batchbottlestore on Facebook
