One of the Solent's best known navigation marks may be converted into a brewery.
One of the Solent’s best known navigation marks may be converted into a brewery. The owners of Spitbank Fort have announced plans to brew real ale on the fort, using fresh water drawn from the fort’s own 400ft deep well.
A mineral water bottling plant using the same supply source may also be established as part of the £250,000 development proposed for the 130-year-old fort. Although the project also includes plans for a recording studio, three sets of dormitories, a classroom, and a helipad, the owners say the fort’s primary use will continue to be that of a museum.
Spitbank Fort, one of four Palmerston sea forts in the Solent, remained in use as part of Portsmouth’s coastal defences until 1956. It was reopened as a museum after being sold into private ownership in 1982.
