LONDON, Ky.. – Laurel County residents have a new reason to visit downtown London, thanks to Dreaming Creek Brewery.

Brewery owners: Charley Hamilton, Michael Bradley and Taryn Edington expanded their microbrewery business, located in Richmond, Ky., to London this spring, locating in the former Bob’s Ready to Wear store on Main Street. The renovation and retrofitting project is now completed and is London’s first craft beer brewery.

Dreaming Creek Brewery London opened in mid-May and has already changed the downtown atmosphere with its live music offerings and special events geared toward drawing in the local community.

The project has been a collaborative effort between the owners, the Laurel County Industrial Development Authority (LCIDA) and Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corp. (SKED). LCIDA Executive Director Paula Thompson helped the owners find the location, and SKED has helped with funding and technical assistance during the renovation. The result is a thriving new downtown business that is working to enhance the Main Street community and bringing jobs with it.

SKED’s mission is to partner with businesses and communities to bring jobs and economic development to at 45-county region of Kentucky. Its loan funds are made possible through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development, U.S. Department of the Treasury Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) Funds and the SBA Micro Loan Program. “SKED truly is trying to do everything in their power to bring business to Southern Kentucky,” said brewery owner Charley Hamilton. “We hope to do business with SKED again on our next project.” LCIDA Executive Director Paula Thompson said Dreaming Creek Brewery is a great addition to the downtown landscape. “Dreaming Creek Brewery is a welcome addition to our community and downtown area. Their decision to locate on Main Street, in a vacant building, has sparked our city’s revitalization initiative,” she said. “We are excited that Dreaming Creek Brewery will manufacture at this new location and offer their products at local tourism events.”

If you know a small business owner in need of working capital or funds to purchase equipment or building improvements, contact SKED at (606) 677-6100, email them at kminton@centertech.com, or visit their website.

Learn more about Dreaming Creek Brewery London by visiting them at 121 N. Main St., London or check them out on Facebook.