Benchtop Brewing

Benchtop Brewing is a craft brewery founded on a scientific approach to brewing, with a rotating lineup of twelve taps. Eric Tennant, a former food scientist, opened the brewery in 2015 after years of research and development work, and the beers lean toward innovative and sometimes culinary-inspired styles. Known examples include the Quick Pickle Gose and foeder-conditioned lagers, and the beers are made with local ingredients.

The Norfolk tasting room in the Chelsea neighborhood is the original location and has become a gathering spot for locals, with a view of the Elizabeth River Trail. A second tasting room opened in Richmond at 434 Hull Street. The Silly Thoughts Kitchen serves food Tuesday through Sunday, and beer can also be bought in bottles and cans or by the keg.