Tue 26th Aug 2014 - Foundation to launch craft and smokehouse concept Foundation Inns to launch smokehouse and grill brand: Managed pub operator Foundation Inns is launching its first branded Craft & Grill site in Walton-on-Thames. Foundation’s existing site, the Noble Vine pub is being converted to the new craft beer bar and smokehouse/grill concept, which opens tomorrow (Wednesday 27 August). Foundation is giving the high street site a stripped down, informal feel and installing two smokers in the kitchen, as well as a new bar to house 30+ craft beers, and an upgraded coffee offer. Menu items include smoked rack of ribs, brisket, chicken, and pulled pork, as well as a range of burgers and steaks and pub classics such as fish and chips for ‘non smokers’. The craft beer range will include cask, keg and bottled brands, rotated regularly to refresh the offer at the bar, which also includes a new choice of bourbons, cocktails and mocktails. Foundation Inns co-founder Ian Grundy said: “Craft & Grill is a concept we’ve spent some time developing and we’re pleased to be opening our first site. It’s very different to the other dining and drinking offers in Walton so we’re confident it will attract a lot of interest. The smoked meat based menu and craft beer range complement each other perfectly, and give fantastic opportunities for food and drink matching, in a truly casual dining environment. We see the opportunity to grow the Craft & Grill concept, in both fully branded and unbranded formats, if Walton proves to be as successful as we anticipate. We are well placed to expand quickly within suburban London and Home County towns.” Grundy set up Foundation Inns, an Enterprise Investment Scheme company in 2007, with co-founder Gavin Drew. The pair also operate another EIS company Flagstone Cask and Grill. In addition to Craft & Grill - Walton, they operate a further four pubs, in London and the south east.