Gary Magnone
December 28, 2022
It’s a new era at Yorkshire Square Brewery in Torrance as Project Barley has taken over ownership of the iconic British-style brewpub.
Yorkshire Square opened in Old Town Torrance in April 2017 with the goal of making authentic cask ale and serving it in a traditional pub atmosphere. Under the leadership of owner Gary Croft and original head brewer Andy Black, the brewery won medals at the Great American Beer Festival and the California Craft Beer Cup, was named one of the best new breweries by Beer Advocate, and was one of only two California locations to earn Cask Marque’s certificate of excellence. Two years later, they launched the food component to the space, serving up a chef-driven menu of traditional British pub food.
In a statement posted to the brewery’s Instagram account, Croft recalled, “We built a great staff, added delicious food, and soon “The Pub” at Yorkshire Square Brewery became a favorite haunt for the South Bay.”
While the business weathered the storm of the pandemic, the financial challenges the business incurred forced the Croft family to seek additional investments earlier this year. As of December 1st, 2022, the team at Project Barley has taken majority ownership of Yorkshire Square in partnership with Yorkshire Square brewers, Stephen and Michael Copley, with the Croft family moving on to pursue new endeavors.
This marks the third location for Project Barley, which opened its original brewery and taproom in Lomita in 2019. In late 2021, they expanded the taproom to include a pizzeria and opened a second taproom on the Redondo Beach pier with Proudly Serving slinging its signature smash burgers out of the kitchen.
The new ownership team plans to keep the traditional British-style brewery and pub concept largely intact, with brewers Stephen and Michael Copley maintaining their focus on traditional cask ales. The draft list will see the addition of some new Project Barley beers and the food menu will get some updated items. They also plan to bring in their signature live music programming and will rebrand as Project Barley Square to keep things in line with their brand while also paying homage to the past.
“We are huge fans and patrons of The Square and intend to keep as much as possible as it is today,” the Project Barley team said. “We hope you support us in trying to do just that in this new chapter. Cheers and many beers to come!”
2 thoughts on “New Ownership Takes Over at Yorkshire Square Brewery: Project Barley Brings Fresh Vibes and Live Music to Torrance Pub”
Hey this is good to see – Project Barley and their love and support for live music. Let’s make some music with singer/songwriter nights! I’d love to come and play for the new Square! www/roseredbirdi.com
I am a huge fan of cask conditioned (Real Ale), having grown up drinking it from an “early” age growing up in SW England. It is very hard to find a brewery that brews or serves it. When was visiting the LA region a few months ago another brewer told me of this place in Torrance. As fate would have it my work brought me to Torrance recently. I found a hotel within walking distance so I could sample the cask ale. Well, my high expectations were met. Very well brewed and conditioned beer. The owners and staff are very friendly and passionate about brewing. I have been there two out of the last three nights. The live music each night is just a bonus. What more could you want, high quality well kept cask ale, friendly staff and patrons, and live music. Oh the food I have had has also been top notch. My favorite pub outside of England!