The bountiful Bellingham beer scene has a new contender. Time & Materials Taphouse opened its doors in February 2022, bringing a superb selection of craft beers, wines, and community vibes to downtown.
While the taphouse has only been open a few months, its creation has been in the works for years. Owners Blake Hudson and Matt Shaver came up with the idea at the beginning of 2021 after Hudson had spent three years demoing and constructing Hudson Yard, which is a collection of local trades including a carpentry shop, metal fabrication shop, and glass blowing shop. Inspired by the building, the vibrant downtown scene, and a mutual love of beer, the two owners set their hearts to creating Time & Materials Taphouse: an ode to local tradespeople and local beer.
“[They had] a vision of an alluring space with impeccable service, designed with intent, full of locals drinking from a rotating tap list of some of the best beer available,” says Director of Operations Jacqueline Goddard.
The tap list features 20 beers at a time in addition to a carefully-curated selection of wines and a handful of non-alcoholic options. Top sellers include their very own flagship T&M Pilsner, a co-creation with Kulshan Brewing with a pronounced hop character and crispy finish.
“One fun thing about having 20 rotating taps is that my favorite beer changes weekly. It gives us an opportunity to share our love for beer with our town who shares the same passion,” Goddard says.
While their drink menu is impressive, their food selection is not to be slept on. Chef Brandon Peterson creates unique dishes that are definitely a notch above typical pub fare. While you can find new specials weekly, constants such as Savory Puff Pastries ($10-12), Creamy Mushroom Polenta ($13), and Green Bean Fries ($8) are a must-try.
You may come to Time & Materials for the food and drinks, but you’ll stay for the atmosphere. The space is minimalistic yet elegant and a true homage to the raw materials that surround us in the Pacific Northwest. Dine in and you’ll find floor-to-ceiling paned windows, brass finishings (including the tap tower), and an old-growth cedar tree at the focal point.
“The majority of everything you see in T&M was thoughtfully designed, built, and crafted right here by the talented architects, welders, and carpenters that work in these neighboring buildings,” Goddard says. “…Melding the world of tradesmen, design, and our city’s love for a good pint.”
This summer, Time and Materials is hosting T&M Yard Markets every second Saturday from June to September. This outdoor event is hosted in the courtyard and features vendors, food, and live music. Keep your eye out for other events like pig roasts, oyster pop-ups, crab boils, and an upcycled fashion show.
“We are so excited to be a part of the downtown community, we hope to help bring more business to all the shops, businesses, and restaurants on this side of State Street,” Goddard says. “We cannot wait for all the collaborations, comradery, and support we can all give each other.”
954 N. State St., Bellingham, timeandmaterials.us
