Love Lane Brewery, located in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle, has been handed a zero-star food hygiene rating after an inspection by Liverpool City Council. The venue previously featured in the 2025 Good Beer Guide.
Inspection findings and brewery closure
The inspection took place on Monday, September 7, with inspectors identifying several areas requiring urgent improvement. These included cleanliness, the condition of facilities and buildings, food safety management and hygienic food handling.
Operations director Rod Grainger explained that the business operates two separate divisions: the brewery and the Kitchen and Taproom. He said the change in hygiene rating followed an inspection carried out by Liverpool City Council Environmental Health.
The inspection highlighted several concerns, primarily relating to the brewery operation. As a result, the brewery was temporarily closed while the identified issues were addressed.
Kitchen and Taproom remains open
Rod confirmed that Liverpool City Council did not request the closure of the Kitchen and Taproom. Instead, the authority allowed the operation to remain open and continue trading while standards were maintained.
History of financial difficulties
Love Lane Brewery previously collapsed into administration in June 2022, owing creditors more than £1.5 million. Former Iceland boss Nick Canning subsequently invested £300,000 in the business in an attempt to save it.
However, the business faced administration again around 18 months later, with representatives blaming challenging trading conditions and a failure to recover pre-pandemic sales. In early 2024, the venue was acquired by TJ Morris, the owner of Home Bargains, through TJ Morris Brewing.
Last year, Rod celebrated the brewery's progress, highlighting improvements in beer quality and growing customer interest. He acknowledged the difficulties facing the hospitality industry but said the backing of TJ Morris and Home Bargains would help the business move forward.
