As craft beer continues to gain in popularity around Toronto, so too do stores specializing in home brewing supplies. While both Fermentations and Toronto Brewing have offered DIY brewing kits and other supplies for years, when the latter opened a storefront space roughly a year ago, it proved to be a harbinger for a mini-boom of bricks and mortar shops.

Noble Hop on Dundas West has built a steady following since opening last fall. Located in a neighbourhood well-stocked with bars, it's capitalized on a demographic rich with craft beer drinkers in offering its yeasts and supplies. And now the idea seems to be catching on. Set to open at the end of the month, Brew North is the newest DIY beer supply shop to arrive on the scene.

Located near Queen and Coxwell, it hopes to do for the east end what Noble Hop has for the west. You can expect a full roster of supplies and, eventually, community and learning events in the retail space. Will the concept prove as popular in Leslieville/The Beaches as it is on Dundas West? The demographics point to yes.

Photo by Jesse Milns