Craft comes to the home of country

Nashville is adding to its charm with specialist breweries, funky music venues and new luxury hotels, says Radhika Aligh

LOCATED between 8thAvenue South, Lafayette Street and Interstate 40 is a burgeoning neighbourhood that’s luring in cool businesses with its gritty charm. Pie Town (named after its shape) used to be known as a dodgy part of Nashville. Today, its fancy warehouse conversions are home to world-famous music venues, breweries and a winery.

Music

Third Man Records

In an unassuming black warehouse is Third Man Records, the music label founded by Jack White, one half of The White Stripes. Over the past decade, the record store and performance venue has become one of Pie Town’s most iconic attractions. Inside, its walls are covered floor-to-ceiling in music memorabilia.

⬤ (623 7th Ave South, Nashville, TN)

Mercy Lounge

For an alternative to the honky-tonks, head to Mercy lounge. From Brazilian psychedelic rock to R&B, this funky music venue has been championing both local and international talent since 2003. Previous performers include Adele, Charli XCX and Bon Jovi. In addition to the 500-capacity lounge, there are two other spaces — The Cannery Ballroom and The High Watt — so you can watch live music every night of the week.

⬤ (1 Cannery Row, TN 37203)

Eat & drink

Tennessee Brew Works

Occupying a former printing factory in Pie Town is Tennessee Brew Works, which sources 100 per cent of its grains from local farms. A glass wall separates diners and drinkers from the production line where barrels and bottles of Hippies & Cowboys, Basil Ryman and State Park Blonde are brewed and packaged. Be sure to try the homemade beer bread sandwiches.

⬤ (809 Ewing Ave, TN 37203)

City Winery

Try your hand at making your own sauvignon blanc, pinot noir or malbec at City Winery. Expert winemakers will