This summer, 20 Arches celebrated their 2nd birthday with an incredible community turnout, marking not just a milestone but also the successful completion of the first phase of their ambitious expansion. With the bar now doubled in size and offering more room both inside and out, the brewery has set the stage for even bigger things to come. What started as a small space with a loyal following has grown into a true hub for Brackley, a place where friends meet, families gather, and local beer culture continues to thrive.
Much of this progress has been made possible thanks to their hugely successful Crowdfunder, which not only hit its target but soared past it to reach over 105%. Backed by a mix of regulars, new supporters, and an incredible group of community lenders, the campaign showed just how much belief and passion there is for 20 Arches. The team want to say a massive thank you to every single person who contributed – whether through donations, lending, or simply by sharing the word. That support has been nothing short of inspiring and is actively shaping the future of both the bar and the forthcoming nano brewery.
The newly completed Founders Wall now stands proudly on display, etched with the names of those who made this journey possible. It is more than a feature on the wall – it’s a lasting symbol of community spirit and shared ambition. Alongside it, the team are working hard on fulfilling the promised Founders Rewards, with exciting updates due soon. It’s a small way of giving back to the people who helped bring a big vision to life, and one that reinforces just how community-driven this project really is.
Of course, expansion hasn’t just been about long-term dreams – there have been plenty of exciting day-to-day changes too. With the arrival of a shiny new van, the old workhorse has retired after three years of service, a clear sign that operations are running at a new scale. A fresh new look for the bar’s exterior and the full rollout of the 20 Arches rebrand are next on the list, while the ultimate goal of brewing their very own beers right here in Brackley is firmly on the horizon.
On the ground, the team are keeping busy. From 15th September, new opening hours have been introduced: Monday & Tuesday 5–8pm, Wednesday & Thursday 5–10pm, with Friday through Sunday unchanged. There have also been some familiar faces stepping into new roles. Chris has taken on the position of Bar Supervisor, Toby has returned to the bar on Thursdays, and although Izzy will be sadly moving on in October, she promises to pop back whenever she’s in town for her favourite Fruli. These changes bring fresh energy and continuity, ensuring the same warm, welcoming service regulars have come to love.
Looking ahead, the calendar is full of events and reasons to raise a glass. Oktoberfest is just around the corner on 4th October, and while VIP tickets have already sold out, standard tickets remain available for what promises to be an authentic Bavarian celebration featuring Paulaner and Hacker Pschorr. Beyond that, the team are planning a special Founders Event to thank those who have supported them, and everyone is eagerly awaiting the outcome of the brewery’s planning application, with fingers firmly crossed.
The past two years have shown beyond doubt just how much Brackley has embraced its nano brewery. 20 Arches is more than a bar – it’s a shared story of growth, resilience, and community. The whole team want to extend their heartfelt thanks for the incredible support so far, and they’re excited to welcome even more people to be part of the journey. Whether you’re popping down for a quiet pint, joining in the singalongs at Oktoberfest, or keeping an eye on the progress of the nano brewery, one thing is certain: there’s always something brewing at 20 Arches.