Nick Fryer describes how the new taproom, cafe and meeting space can help change lives for the better
Tap Social Movement has opened a new community space called Day Release at Signal Yard in Milton Park, near Didcot. The new venue sells beers, pizzas, snacks and coffee, and a Brew School is also due to be relaunched.
Signal Yard is a new social and retail space in Milton Park providing those working there and living locally somewhere new to eat, drink and shop. It appears likely the name is a nod to the Great Western railway line that runs alongside.
It is easily accessible from Oxford (X32 bus) or Abingdon (X2), with the bus stop which I used when travelling from Abingdon conveniently located just across the road. The X32 also stops at Redbridge Park and Ride, with a journey time of only about 20 minutes from the city centre – the same as from Abingdon. Didcot rail station is just 10 minutes away.
Cask conditioned ales were not being sold at Day Release when I visited, but traditional free house the Plum Pudding in Milton village is only a 20-minute walk away and LoveBeer, also in Milton, has regular open days.
Tap Social Movement describes Day Release as a community venue. When I visited it was late afternoon on a Friday and it was busy with customers sitting inside and out, some with children. It had a relaxed and welcoming feel, and I left with a warm feeling that makes me want to return.
Alongside an extensive selection of 10 Tap Social keg beers plus cans, produced at the Kidlington brewery, Day Release also sells wood fired pizzas, using dough prepared at its Proof Social Bakehouse in Kennington. Day Release is open from 7.30am Monday to Saturday and until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Brew School previously operated at the taproom off Botley Road in Oxford. You can make your own beer under the guidance of an experienced brewer and enjoy the brews at home.
The new venue is Tap Social’s fourth location and largest yet, over two floors. It also operates the Market Tap in Oxford’s Covered Market but closed its bar at Lock29 in Banbury in March.
Since it was founded in 2016, Tap Social has created more than 115,000 hours of paid employment for people in prison and prison leavers, demonstrating how commercial success and social impact can go hand in hand.
Co-founder and director Tess Taylor said: “Day Release is the culmination of everything that Tap Social has built over the last decade. It’s our most ambitious venue to date and, for the first time, brings together our bakery, café, pizza kitchen, taproom and brewing experiences in one exciting, friendly space.
“Hospitality is an incredible way to bring people together. Every coffee served, every meal shared and every shift worked help create opportunities for people rebuilding their lives after contact with the criminal justice system.”
