OUR STORY
THE BACKGROUND
Originally from Bavaria, Petra Wetzel first fell in love with Scotland on a school exchange near Stirling. She returned in 1994 to study at the University of Glasgow, and has been here ever since.
The idea for WEST, a German-style brewery abiding by the German Purity Law, was born when Petra’s father first visited her in Glasgow. He was unimpressed by the local offering so Petra decided to take matters into her own hands and give Glasgow the beer it deserved. Safe to say Herbert is happy now.
The idea for WEST, a German-style brewery abiding by the German Purity Law, was born when Petra’s father first visited her in Glasgow. He was unimpressed by the local offering so Petra decided to take matters into her own hands and give Glasgow the beer it deserved. Safe to say Herbert is happy now.
THE BACKGROUND
Originally from Bavaria, Petra Wetzel first fell in love with Scotland on a school exchange near Stirling. She returned in 1994 to study at the University of Glasgow, and has been here ever since.
The idea for WEST, a German-style brewery abiding by the German Purity Law, was born when Petra’s father first visited her in Glasgow. He was unimpressed by the local offering so Petra decided to take matters into her own hands and give Glasgow the beer it deserved. Safe to say Herbert is happy now.
The idea for WEST, a German-style brewery abiding by the German Purity Law, was born when Petra’s father first visited her in Glasgow. He was unimpressed by the local offering so Petra decided to take matters into her own hands and give Glasgow the beer it deserved. Safe to say Herbert is happy now.
THE JOURNEY
In 2006 Petra opened WEST on the Green — a brewery, bar and restaurant on Glasgow Green, despite having never drunk a full pint of lager before opening WEST. Since then WEST has received lots of awards for both the beer it produces and the service it delivers.
The growth of WEST has been staggering, developing from a self-contained German-style beer hall and brewery into a successful distribution operation. WEST on the Green was named ‘Scotland’s Pub of the Year’ at the National Pub Bar Awards in 2016.
The growth of WEST has been staggering, developing from a self-contained German-style beer hall and brewery into a successful distribution operation. WEST on the Green was named ‘Scotland’s Pub of the Year’ at the National Pub Bar Awards in 2016.
THE JOURNEY
In 2006 Petra opened WEST on the Green — a brewery, bar and restaurant on Glasgow Green, despite having never drunk a full pint of lager before opening WEST. Since then WEST has received lots of awards for both the beer it produces and the service it delivers.
The growth of WEST has been staggering, developing from a self-contained German-style beer hall and brewery into a successful distribution operation. WEST on the Green was named ‘Scotland’s Pub of the Year’ at the National Pub Bar Awards in 2016.
The growth of WEST has been staggering, developing from a self-contained German-style beer hall and brewery into a successful distribution operation. WEST on the Green was named ‘Scotland’s Pub of the Year’ at the National Pub Bar Awards in 2016.
REINHEITSGEBOT
(RINE-HEIGHTS-GE-BOAT)
(RINE-HEIGHTS-GE-BOAT)
WEST is the only UK brewery to produce all of its artisan lagers and wheat beers in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot — the German Purity Law of 1516. The law prescribes the use of water, malt, hops and yeast only, serving as a promise of purity and quality. WEST has been brewing to these time-honoured standards since 2006, merging centuries of traditional practice with state-of-the-art equipment.
REINHEITSGEBOT
(RINE-HEIGHTS-GE-BOAT)
WEST is the only UK brewery to produce all of its artisan lagers and wheat beers in strict accordance with the Reinheitsgebot — the German Purity Law of 1516. The law prescribes the use of water, malt, hops and yeast only, serving as a promise of purity and quality. WEST has been brewing to these time-honoured standards since 2006, merging centuries of traditional practice with state-of-the-art equipment.
THE BUILDING
The Templeton Building started life as a carpet factory for James Templeton and Son who produced carpets for state occasions, great houses and luxury liners including the Titanic. It was designed by the architect William Leiper who modelled the building on the Doge’s Palace in Venice and is situated on Glasgow Green — the city’s oldest public park. We’re very proud to
call it our home.
THE BUILDING
The Templeton Building started life as a carpet factory for James Templeton and Son who produced carpets for state occasions, great houses and luxury liners including the Titanic. It was designed by the architect William Leiper who modelled the building on the Doge’s Palace in Venice and is situated on Glasgow Green — the city’s oldest public park.
THE BUSINESS
WEST is made up of two companies. The original brewery including the bar and restaurant is named after Petra’s son, Noah. The recently opened larger brewery is named after Heidi, the brewery’s first dog.
WEST beer is sold to over 3000 venues throughout the UK from Orkney to the Isle of Wight, even the officers’ mess at Faslane Naval Base. Recent distribution has reached as far as Hong Kong and Russia.
WEST beer is sold to over 3000 venues throughout the UK from Orkney to the Isle of Wight, even the officers’ mess at Faslane Naval Base. Recent distribution has reached as far as Hong Kong and Russia.
THE BUSINESS
WEST is made up of two companies. The original brewery including the bar and restaurant is named after Petra’s son, Noah. The recently opened larger brewery is named after Heidi, the brewery’s first dog.
WEST beer is sold to over 3000 venues throughout the UK from Orkney to the Isle of Wight, even the officers’ mess at Faslane Naval Base. Recent distribution has reached as far as Hong Kong and Russia.
WEST beer is sold to over 3000 venues throughout the UK from Orkney to the Isle of Wight, even the officers’ mess at Faslane Naval Base. Recent distribution has reached as far as Hong Kong and Russia.
WEST WOMEN
In 2016, our founder Petra set up the WEST Women investment fund to give both financial and personal support to other budding female entrepreneurs. WEST Women hopes to help other female-led businesses grow and develop their operations throughout Scotland. If you’re a female entrepreneur or know of any great female-led businesses in Scotland that could benefit from significant investment, click below for more info.
WEST WOMEN
In 2016, our founder Petra set up the WEST Women investment fund to give both financial and personal support to other budding female entrepreneurs. WEST Women hopes to help other female-led businesses grow and develop their operations throughout Scotland. If you’re a female entrepreneur or know of any great female-led businesses in Scotland that could benefit from significant investment, click below for more info.
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP
In 2019 we started an Employee Ownership journey, giving our WESTies the highest amount of tax-free shares for every 12 months continual employment, as well as a platform to have their say on the running of the business. We are proud to the UK's first Employee-owned brewery! Click below to find out more and to meet some of our new owners!
EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP
In 2019 we started an Employee Ownership journey, giving our WESTies the highest amount of tax-free shares for every 12 months continual employment, as well as a platform to have their say on the running of the business. We are proud to the UK’s first Employee-owned brewery! Click below to find out more and to meet some of our new owners!