Liberty Tap Room space leased by new restaurant

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Homegrown Hospitality Group closed the doors on its Greenville Liberty Taproom & Grill location last fall, and Upstate winery Urban Wren seized on the opportunity. 

In partnership with the Greenville Drive, Urban Wren Executive Director Nick Lincoln and Executive Chef Taylor Montgomery will fill the 8,000-square-foot void left by the taproom with a public house of another kind: The Bellweather. 

“Greenville embraced Urban Wren wholeheartedly when we opened two years ago, allowing our restaurant to thrive even amid a pandemic,” Lincoln said in a news release. “With that level of support, we are thrilled to expand with The Bellwether, a public house providing leveled-up pub food, seasonal ingredients and a dependably top-notch experience at every visit. We hope our neighbors will join us for first dates, family meals, game-day gatherings; it will truly be a place where you can come as you are.” 

Described by Urban Wren as an “elevated-but-unpretentious” venue with a menu inspired by old world comfort food suited for game day rendezvous, The Bellweather is slated to open in September. Montgomery’s 50-acre farm, Montgomery Sky Farm, will provide produce for the pub. 

“Urban Wren’s immediate success was a litmus test showing just what the people of Greenville want in a dining establishment: unmatched quality in food and hospitality, as well as a place where dining becomes an experience,” Montgomery said in the release. “The Bellwether will be the intersection of farmer and farm team, a place where what’s on the table is fresh and what surrounds our guests blends tradition with a touch of whimsy to create an unforgettable experience for all.” 

McMillan Pazdan Smith and Creative Builders General Contractors will redesign the building’s interior, which will become part of Fluor Field’s mixed-use development space, The Fieldhouse. 

“This is a special day for Drive fans and the entire Upstate,” Craig Brown, owner of the Greenville Drive, said in the release. “Alongside Fluor Field’s 17 years of history, including the soon-to-be-completed conversion of Field Street into District 356, the Bellwether will add another layer to the “Entertainment District” emerging in the West End. We couldn’t be happier to welcome Nick, Chef Montgomery, and the entire Urban Wren team as our neighbors. The Bellwether will further demonstrate the West End’s ‘Front Porch of the Community’ focus — providing the highest quality and most memorable entertainment to the entire community.” 

Last week, tech firm Illumifin also opened a new 20,000-square-foot office at 935 S. Main St., Suite 300, in the Fieldhouse development in partnership with the Greenville Drive. 

“Both Urban Wren and the Greenville Drive have shown a unique commitment to enhancing and growing our community,” Greenville Mayor Knox White said in the release. “With an environment that welcomes all and cuisine that deepens our culinary scene, The Bellwether will be a perfect fit for Greenville’s West End and will soon become a fan favorite for Drive fans and everyone throughout our community.” 

Homegrown Hospitality Group still operates Liberty Tap Room and Grill locations in Columbia, Myrtle Beach and Irmo.