The latest addition to the exploding craft beer scene in Columbus is the Cleveland-based Platform Beer Company, set to open their downtown Columbus brewery and taproom within the next few weeks.

The Cleveland brewery debuted in July 2014 with a first-year production volume of 98 barrels. That number grew to 6,000 barrels in 2015, and is estimated to hit 10,000 barrels by the end of this year. With that kind of growth, the brewery was looking for new opportunities, and the logical location for expansion was Columbus, according to Matt Subel, Platform’s Director of Sales & Distribution. Their new home is the former Carfagnia’s Meat Packing plant in the downtown area, just west of Columbus State Community College.

The 10,000 square foot brewery and taproom is scheduled to open between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. (UPDATE: Grand Opening is slated for December 28!) The taproom’s defining feature is a 50 foot long bar built with wood repurposed from the meat packing plant itself. The tables are made from 120 year old beams from the Cleveland brewery. Behind the bar are 26 taps, with two on the ends outfitted with infusers to add ingredients ranging from hops or coffee beans or fresh fruit to fresh Platform beers. When the brewery does open its doors, all 26 taps will be pouring Platform beers brought down from the Cleveland brewery, though the Columbus brewery’s three-barrel brewing system — located at the far end of the taproom — will eventually supply part of the taproom’s beer offerings.

After the initial opening, a number of the bar’s 26 taps will be converted to local guest beers. The new taproom will also feature three soda taps pouring Old City Soda, a Cleveland-based all-natural artisan soda producer. The sodas can be combined with Platform beers to produce a custom shandy on the spot

The taproom offers seating for about 150 guests with additional seating outside on the patio, and come springtime, a rooftop patio will offer a spectacular view of the downtown skyline. There are a couple of big screen TVs located behind the bar, and Platform plans to regularly feature live music in the venue. If you’re hungry, Platform is taking a unique approach with a “pop-up’ kitchen — each night a different local chef or food truck vendor will take over their on-site kitchen to create their own special menu offering.

Platform Beer Company Columbus is located at 408 N. 6th Street. Stay tuned for details about their opening and check out more photos of the space below.

photos by Cheryl Harrison