about us
The Jam Factory started out as a crazy idea mid-pandemic when we spotted a run down pub in need of a new lease of life. In October 2021 we bought what was previously known as ‘The Exchange’ and got busy planning straight away. It took some time to get rid of the thick layers of dust and the many years of crumpled up betting slips, but after countless late nights and the vital help from family and friends, The Jam Factory opened its doors in November 2022!
Hereford quickly embraced The Jam Factory (with only a few complaints from people looking for the broken pool table and a pint of Carling). We planned the project with the local community at the forefront, with a name inspired by the nearby site of an old Victorian jam factory and retaining as much character of the building as we could. We wanted to create a space focused on inclusivity and diversity and a hub for original live music. Before we knew it our dream was realised and we had a packed bar of cocktail wielding patrons rocking along to a local band.
The Jam Factory is owned and operated by a small team who are hell bent on creating the best bar for Hereford, an all inclusive watering hole with good vibes and great music in the centre of town. The team at the helm of The Jam Factory have a mutual love for music and this is reflected through our schedule of varied events, curated playlists and regular appearances from local talents as well as visiting artists.
As an eager musician I (Jordan) left Hereford at the age of 19 and spent 6 years in Brighton where I met my wife, Jen. Whilst in Brighton we worked hard and played hard, making the most of the thriving music scene. After deciding to move back to Hereford at the start of the pandemic, it was clear to us what Hereford was missing. Shortly after we had secured The Exchange, Marcin joined the project, adding his many years of experience running an independent alternative Hereford pub. With the foundations of the crew assembled, we set out to continue to build the team with passionate individuals and we’re so grateful for everyone who we’ve had the opportunity to work with so far.
When we started this project we knew we wanted to be set apart from the crowd. We wanted our draught selection to be unique so one of our first missions was to create our very own beer, and we’re incredibly proud of how well it’s done! Jam Dunk is a Jam Factory exclusive Tropical IPA on draught, brewed by the exceptional beer wizards at Ludlow Brewery, and you lot love it! I mean what's not to like?? It’s got mango, it’s got grapefruit, it’s vegan AND it’s gluten free.
We’ve stocked the rest of the bar with local favourites alongside some exotic and unusual staff picks, plus we have our very own house cocktail creations. Each cocktail comes with a signature Jam Factory twist and every 6 months we create a whole new menu to keep it fresh.
The final piece of The Jam Factory puzzle is still in the works as we are halfway through planning and building a brand new kitchen. The Jam Factory is a fully plant-based establishment and we’ll be looking to bring our passion for vegan food to the beef-obsessed shire.
We’ve tested the waters with pop ups at local events and briefly had a stall in the Butter Market, and now we’re itching to get our full menu up and running inside the building. Watch this space - it’s going to blow your socks off.
Behind The Jam Factory is a team of people who love this city that we call home. This is a passion project that we hope all Herefordians can be proud of. Fundamental to the mission of The Jam Factory is our commitment to supporting Hereford communities. We believe in creating opportunities and are committed to supporting exciting projects such as our Battle of the Bands competition, our under 18s band events, and our various collaborations with local independent companies and charities. In honouring this commitment, discounts are available for all NHS staff, MoD employees, local businesses and students alongside hospitality discounts for all our hard-working local bars and restaurants.
Head over to our socials to stay up to date with what we’re up to and we hope to see you all soon! Long live The Jam Fac x