Against the Grain was born from beer connoisseur Ant Fitzgerald’s desire for a cosy beer venue.
Since June 2018, the Elgin craft beer shop and taproom has been operating at 25 Batchen Street.
Ant, alongside Tom Green and fellow directors Juliette and Callum Buchan, oversee the business.
There are more than 150 beers to choose from and more than 50 single-malt Scotch whiskies to takeaway or enjoy in the premises.
It’s been a tough time for businesses everywhere, but now the shop is celebrating five years in business.
What have been the challenges for Against the Grain in Elgin?
There have been many challenges, including overcoming the pandemic’s financial storm.
Director Juliette Buchan believes government support and local customers ensured the business’s survival during Covid.
She said: “If it wasn’t for government help and support from local people who came to buy beers, we wouldn’t be here.
“We managed to ride this storm.”
Since the business was set up, Batchen Street has changed dramatically.
Now the street continues to be hailed by locals for its variety of shops and cafes.
Juliette said: “Ant saw a gap in the market and fulfilled a dream of his to have local craft beers rather than just Tennent’s.
“Five years ago, Batchen Street wasn’t what it was today and nobody would go up it unless they were going to Gordon and MacPhail.
“I think the pioneer was Pencil In Me who arrived seven years ago.
“Now Batchen Street is a destination for people in Elgin.”
Future for the Elgin craft beer shop
Against the Grain is a space with seating for up to 20 people.
The business is dog-friendly.
Directors have revealed they will consider adding more seats and freshening up their shop and taproom.
Mrs Buchan said: “We are here for the long-term. Here for the next 10 to 20 years.
“We want to keep the place fresh, and the business viable.
“We want to develop the shop side and maybe add some more seats.”
‘Important to remain in Elgin’
She added: “There is no intent to move and Batchen Street is a great place.
“We need to continue to improve.
“It is a investment in the community to give them a nice place to come and have a drink.
“Important for us it is in Elgin and remains in Elgin.”
The Elgin town centre continues to change.
Juliette is positive about the future for the town.
She added: “I’m quite positive about the future of Elgin.
“It is a nice place and important to support our local businesses or we will lose it.
“There are thousands of homes being built in the next five or 10 years, so there is going to be even more people who need places to shop, eat and go.
“We need to stand firm and continue to support businesses.”
