Founded by U.S. Navy veteran Mike Howell, Barley & Sword first launched two years ago inside the CRAFT by Brewery Igniter facility in North Park and has become known for its dedication to traditional European beer styles. The new Escondido location will expand the company’s footprint from its original 1,860-square-foot space to a 6,812-square-foot property that includes a 10-barrel brewhouse, 37 barrels of fermentation space, and a kitchen-equipped tasting room. Brewing capacity is expected to grow to more than 140 barrels, significantly increasing production while maintaining the original North Park site.
The new facility will allow Barley & Sword to introduce a broader lineup of offerings and community events, including food service, cask programs, pub games, and tabletop gaming nights. The company will continue its focus on traditional U.K., Irish, and German beer styles such as English porters, Irish stouts, Kölsches, and Czech lagers — a portfolio that has earned awards at the California State Fair, the Best of Craft Beer Awards, and the San Diego County Fair Craft Brew Competition.
Barley & Sword’s expansion marks a significant milestone for one of San Diego’s few breweries prioritizing Old World styles over hop-forward West Coast IPAs. The Escondido site, located near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Valley Parkway, will give the brand a larger platform to grow production and host community-driven events while contributing to Escondido’s long-standing craft beer scene.
Barley & Sword Brewing is anticipated to open this November at 800 West Grand Avenue in San Diego's North County city of Escondido. For more information, visit barleyandsword.com.
