New owners brew plan for Rivers Nightclub

KAMLOOPS – The property known as the Rivers Nightclub will be re-opening its doors as a brewery this summer.

As a nightclub, it changed many names before closing its doors two years ago. David Beardsell and his wife, Anna-Marie haven’t decided on a new name yet, but know that 355 Landsdowne Street won’t be part of the club scene nor will it become a duplicate of the Noble Pig, which Beardsell used to co-own.

Beardsell who has a master’s degree in brewing said, “The focus of this project is beer and nothing but beer,” adding the menu won’t offer wine or mixed drinks, though a few food items will be available.

Consumer demand for fresh, non-chemical beer has grown since he started Bear Brewing in 1994, and there's a wide demographic in the interest. 

“Palates are palates,” Beardsell said.

The previous owners of the 7,500 square foot location had issues in the past when dealing with a capacity limited to 280 guests. Rivers closed shortly after the owners’ application for expansion was denied by council.

Bearsell said after the re-model and addition of a tasting room, the brew house capacity will be limited to 80.

“It will have a very European sort of attitude to it… it’s going to be very casual” he said. The type of beers will be more Belgium-style or high alcohol. He plans to bottle in-house to make the product available to sell on site.

The brewery is set to re-open mid July.

To contact a reporter for this story, email gbrothen@infotelnews.ca, or call 250-319-7494. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724