Witney’s new brewpub is run by former Tap Social head brewer Jason Bolger
The long-delayed opening of Witney’s new brewpub finally happened in mid-April, on a prime site next to Marks & Spencer in the Marriotts Walk shopping centre. Set up by former Tap Social head brewer Jason Bolger and his partner Niki Sibson, Scarlet River Brewing Company had hoped to open before Christmas 2025, but only signed the 10-year lease in February.
Jason was keen to experiment with cask ales while at Tap Social, although it is primarily a craft keg and can operation. He started by supplying cask ale to the Oxford Beer Festival but later brewed some of Tap’s top sellers in cask for distribution to a few pubs, but not its own taprooms.
His interest in “cask style” brews continues with Old Curmudgeon Bitter (not named after a CAMRA person, surely? – Ed.!), a tasty 3.8% beer. The first brews available, set to become regulars, are otherwise craft keg with IPAs, lagers, a stout, a wheat beer and a Belgian pale. Purbeck Cider is available from Dorset, and a Scarlet River branded gin and spiced rum are supplied by Abingdon Distillery. Wines and soft drinks are also available.
All brewing takes place on the premises in the 500-litre kit behind the bar, being pumped into tanks to mature. This is the first time commercial brewing has taken place in Witney since Wychwood brewery closed in 2023.
“We have had some very positive feedback, and have been full at times with 60-65 people seated inside and outside,” said Jason. “We are seeing all kinds of customers from youngsters to seasoned ale drinkers.
“This is a dream come true, and we’re just keeping our heads above water at present. But we will serve food in due course, and are looking to recruit ex-Services people in senior positions.”
Scarlet River hopes to work with former Army and Air Force personnel who sometimes find it challenging to move into civilian life, whereas Tap Social works with ex-offenders.
It is named after a poem which you can read on the wall, Scarlet and River also being the names of the couple’s children.
Opening hours at present are closed on Mondays, open from 1030-5pm on Tuesdays, 1030-10pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 1030-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11-6pm on Sundays. The longer-term aim is to move to an all-day café-bar operation.