On March 1, 2014, The Barley Mow Craft Beer House opened its doors to the thirsty public. This unique establishment provides a comfortable, yet sophisticated environment for patrons to explore the world of craft beer.
Located in West Reading, this craft beer bottle shop will focuses on U.S. craft breweries. Whether you are “beer geek” or just like beer, The Barley Mow’s warm, relaxing, intimate atmosphere is the perfect place to introduce your taste buds to various craft brews by sampling from their vast selection of beers.
Owners Peter Starr and Claire Edwards want their patrons to experience, enjoy and learn about the craft brew industry in what they describe as “coffee shop feel with beer.”
Their Story
A few years ago, Peter and Claire were looking for something with more flavor and more drinkability, so they began trying craft beers. They bought cases but in some instances, if they did not like that particular beer, they had several beers left over. During the holidays, they had an opportunity to purchase a Christmas variety pack, which offered 25 different Christmas seasonal brews. They loved it and wished they had the opportunity to buy similar variety cases from various breweries. This sparked an idea: How could they offer variety to other craft beer lovers?
Both Peter and Claire were in corporate careers in good positions, but were not particularly happy. “We are young and we wanted to do something exciting,” shares Claire. Then the research began. Claire and Peter discovered two women outside of Boston, MA, who started their own craft been bottle shop called Craft Beer Cellar, and this inspired them. They reached out to owners Suzanne Schalow and Kate Baker, who were willing to meet with Peter and Claire. They set off to New England. Suzanne and Kate were an amazing resource to Peter and Claire, providing references and mentored them as they decide to begin their journey as craft brew entrepreneurs.
Claire and Peter decided to take a risk and turn their hobby into a business venture. “We resigned from jobs on same day,” explains Peter. “We knew if we wanted to do this well, we needed to learn more about the craft brew industry and feel what the industry is like.”
After they returned from New England, they researched bottle shops near Philadelphia and within a 20-mile radius of Reading. There was a great selection of beer but none that offered the environment Claire and Peter wanted to provide. Then, for six weeks, Peter and Claire traveled around the country by pickup truck. They spent around 250 hours on the road, hitting 34 states and visiting 30–40 breweries.
Returning from their road trip, they set to work establishing their business. They located a property on Penn Avenue in West Reading and spent four months making major renovations to the building before opening their doors.
What They Offer
The Barley Mow plans to feature any U.S. micro or craft brewery that Peter and Claire can get their hands on. They will carry the whole line and seasonal brews. They anticipate carrying 600–700 varieties of beer from 100+ breweries. Patrons can purchase beer to-go or drink 12 oz. bottles and 750 ml. bottles at the establishment. The Barley Mow has four rotating beers on tap for growler fills and pints, too.
Initially the menu will feature Di Bruno Brothers’ gourmet meat and cheese plates for pairing. They plan to partner with a bakery to offer dessert pairings as well. The offerings will rotate monthly to pair with the current beers on tap.
In the future, Peter and Claire will host scheduled tastings and pairings.
For up-t0-date beer listings and other news, please “like” The Barley Mow on Facebook or visit them on the web.
The Barley Mow Craft Beer House is located at 719 Penn Avenue, in West Reading, PA; (484) 926-2084; barleymowbeer.com.
- Photos: The Barley Mow Craft Beer House
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