Rockmill Brewery shared plans earlier this year for Rockmill Tavern, a new bar and restaurant in the Brewery District operated by the Lancaster brewery. The new concept completely transforms the former World of Beer space, adding barn wood to walls and custom-crafted wood furniture that make the urban space reminiscent of the brewery’s rural farmhouse.
Rockmill announced this coming Wednesday as the grand opening for Rockmill Tavern, but surprise — Rockmill Tavern is open right now.
Owner Matthew Barbee hopes to give staff a few quiet days of operation before this week’s grand opening, but declared “it’s time to sell some beer” when I asked if we could share the soft opening with Drink Up Columbus readers.
In the days leading up to the official opening, Rockmill Tavern will be open their regular hours daily. Coffee service — featuring a delightful Rockmill roast from Brioso — begins at 7am, and food service — with a carefully curated menu of about a dozen dishes designed to maximize the relatively small kitchen space — starts at 11am. The Tavern will close at midnight on weeknights and 1am on weekends.
The grand opening will take place Wednesday, October 26 at 7pm. Rockmill Tavern is located at 503 South Front Street.
Check out some photos I snapped of the new space below.
