Called Patel’s Off Licence, named after co-founder Mayur’s surname, launched as a trial on the late bank holiday weekend in May with the purpose of selling Bundobust’s existing stock and to generate some income while the restaurants are closed.
The majority of beers sold out within two hours, which has prompted Mayur and business partner Marko Husak to re-stock with fresh beers and run Patel’s Off Licence online permanently.
The beer selection will change regularly with new beers landing on the shop twice a week.
Featured beers have so far included those from breweries familiar with Bundobust customers such as Northern Monk, Cloudwater, Marble, Kirkstall, North.
Bundobust is also currently brewing up some limited edition collaboration beers that will be available soon. If that wasn’t enough, Bundobust is offering rewards to customers.
“We have been selling takeout beer at Bundobust as Patel’s Off License for the last couple of years. But seeing as the customers can’t come to us, we thought we’d go to them,” says Husak.
“We thought the bottle shop would be a good way to sell existing stock generate a bit of income, and most importantly to connect to our customer base.”
Bundobust was due to launch its second Manchester location, a 150-cover brewery and restaurant, this spring but the opening, within the city’s Grade II-listed St James’ building on Oxford Street, has been delayed because of the Coronavirus pandemic.