Discovering Whole Foods Market in Glen Mills’ Beer Haven — The Brew & Bräu

Growing up the daughter of supermarket owners has instilled in me a love for grocery shopping. I can walk around a supermarket for hours on end, looking at labels, admiring produce, and drooling over beautiful cuts of meat. I also have a soft spot for all things beer related. I love to sample a wide variety of brews, always striving to uncover new and different tastes.

In Pennsylvania, consumers have long been prevented from buying or sampling beer and wine while out food shopping.  Whole Foods Market in Glen Mills has addressed this problem and brought us Brew & Bräu, a cozy 30 seat pub nestled in the corner of the store.

The Brew & Bräu boasts eight taps, with one of those taps currently rotating ciders. In keeping with Whole Foods Market’s philosophy to carry only the best local and seasonal foods, the tap list is heavily represented by local favorites like Victory Brewing Company, Manayunk Brewing Company, Troegs Brewing Company and Dogfish Head Brewery. The wine list is local as well with offerings from Black Walnut Winery, Twin Brook Winery, Penns Wood Winery and Chaddsford Winery.

According to Kevin Jinks, Specialty Team Leader, Brew & Bräu also carries approximately 300 different varieties of beer for takeout purchase.  Whole Foods holds a restaurant license which allows them to both serve beer and wine and sell beer for takeout. Beer purchases are limited to 192 ounces for takeout (approximately a 12 pack of beer). They also sell two sizes of growlers so you can take home either 32 oz. or 64 oz. of your favorite on tap beer.

The focus of food in Brew & Bräu is typical gastro pub style. They serve small plates like a hummus sampler platter or tater tots, individual pizzas, as well as yummy sandwiches like a local Kennett Square mushroom melt. But if you don’t like those food options, you can help yourself to the salad bar, the hot food offerings or any other delectable item from the store and bring them into the pub. Whole Foods also has a larger café style seating area outside of the pub and an outdoor patio for seating in the nicer weather. The beauty is that you can purchase a beer or a glass of wine and sit in any of these venues.

John Frei, Store Team Leader, enjoys watching as customers keep discovering this little corner of their local market. He relates that one couple comes in weekly for fresh shucked oysters (done in store for free) and comes into Brew & Bräu for some beer or wine and a romantic date night. The pub is also family friendly and many stop in with kids in tow for a quick bite while shopping.

Brew & Bräu also hosts occasional events such as beer tastings with brewery or distributor representatives, ladies nights with wine and cheese pairings, and family friendly events in conjunction with other local stores.

Whole Foods Market and Brew & Bräu are a great addition to the area and I look forward to browsing the aisles and sitting down for a pint again soon.

For the most current beer selections, like their Facebook page or follow along on Twitter. Find Whole Foods Market in Glen Mills at 475 Wilmington Pike in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania.