It was only a few weeks ago that Tomme Arthur, co-founder of The Lost Abbey Brewing, spent a Saturday afternoon zipping from the bar at his business’ Vista headquarters to the back of the house to make sure an array of rare cellar gems were pouring correctly for the packed house that had assembled to toast the company’s 20-year anniversary. He was so busy during that vicennial celebration that he barely had time to interact with the company’s fans, many of whom had been patronizing the business since it occupied its original location in San Marcos in 2006.
A lot has happened since Arthur and co-founders Gina and Vince Marsaglia from Pizza Port (the company divested ownership of The Lost Abbey in 2023) took over Stone Brewing’s original base of operations and made it their own: the garnering of awards and lofty distinctions, development of one of the most impressive barrel-aging programs in the country, and expansion via a family of small, neighborhood-focused tasting rooms. From a taproom built in an actual East Village church to venues in a Cardiff-by-the-Sea strip mall and the town center of the San Elijo community Arthur calls home, each has increased the company’s reach while also creating strong bonds with regulars in their respective communities.
If all goes as planned, those satellites will be joined by a fifth location in Miramar later this week. Dubbed “The Monastery” – a name in keeping with its sister venues’ monikers “The Church”, “The Confessional” and “The Sanctuary” – it is located within the Miralani Makers’ District, inside the 1,400-square-foot space that previously housed Wolf Larsen’s Alehouse and, before that, Thunderhawk Alements.
“We decided to call it The Monastery as the space feels quiet and contemplative,” says Arthur. Having served as a taproom in its previous lives, the venue’s remodel was more about freshening things up and imparting The Lost Abbey’s branding. “We have painted much of the interior, installed new lights over the bar and two new TVs. We’ve also added a sofa, loveseat and dart boards to create an English pub environment in the section of the space where Thunderhawk’s brewing equipment was once located.”
Even with all of those improvements, some of the new venue’s finer features are hidden behind closed doors. Namely, the restrooms, which are wallpapered with panoramic photography of The Lost Abbey’s brewing facility. Those scenes were shot by beer-centric photographer Tim Stahl, who also handled the final installation.
“Tim executed the restrooms in an awesome way. I’ve personally dubbed them ‘the most immersive bathrooms in town,’” says Arthur. “We wanted to bring some of the brewery vibes to the space. We think it’s a fun concept and hope everyone appreciates the aesthetic.”
Outside, a fenced-in patio is furnished with umbrella-shaded picnic tables, Adirondack chairs and a fire pit. That area should provide sufficient space for overflow when The Lost Abbey brings a scaled-down version of its 20th anniversary celebration to The Monastery (as well as the company’s other three satellite locations), featuring a special beer crafted for the occasion, Duck Duck Kriek, plus a variety of vintage beers. It’s one of many plans Arthur and company have for their new spot.
“We are super-excited by the thought of adding another space to share with the great beer-drinkers of Miramar and Mira Mesa,” says Arthur. “There is so much great beer in this community and it’s fun to join the party.”
The Miramar taproom’s hours of operation have yet to be finalized, but the location will be open daily, starting at 3 p.m. on weekdays, with earlier start times on Saturdays and Sundays to be determined.
The Lost Abbey Brewing’s “The Monastery” tasting room is located at 8675 Miralani Drive, Suite 100 in Miramar