Barley & Sword Brewing, a San Diego-based brewery known for its traditional European beer styles, is getting ready to expand into Escondido at 800 West Grand Avenue.
The company’s second location is set to move into the former home of Jacked Up Brewery, which closed in November after eight years of operation, according to SD Beer News. While an exact opening date has yet to be announced, Barley & Sword is targeting a late November debut, pending state licensing. Customers can expect an expanded brewing operation with a continued focus on traditional UK, Irish, and German beer styles, plus a broader lineup of offerings and events.
Founded by U.S. Navy veteran Mike Howell, Barley & Sword Brewing originally launched two years ago in a 1,860-square-foot suite at CRAFT by Brewery Igniter in North Park. The expansion into the 6,812-square-foot Escondido facility includes a 10-barrel brewhouse and 37 barrels of fermentation space. Howell and co-owner Bruce Rice plan to increase brewing capacity to over 140 barrels while maintaining the original North Park location.
The Escondido site, located at the intersection of Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway, includes a kitchen-equipped tasting room, giving the brand new opportunities for food service, cask programs, and community engagement. The space will also host events such as pub games and tabletop gaming nights, reflecting Barley & Sword’s emphasis on fostering local connections.
Barley & Sword Brewing has distinguished itself by avoiding the typical West Coast IPA trend in favor of Old World styles like English porters, Irish stouts, Kölsches, and Czech lagers. Several of its beers have won awards at competitions, including the California State Fair and the San Diego County Fair Craft Brew Competition.
