In a significant restructuring move, BrewDog has announced the immediate closure of 38 of its bars, resulting in 484 redundancies, as confirmed by administrators for the craft brewer. This decision follows a £33 million rescue deal that saw US firm Tilray Brands acquire the BrewDog brand, its UK brewing operations, and 11 of its pub venues across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Financial Struggles and Rescue Acquisition
The sale to Tilray, a company with a diverse portfolio including other craft brewing enterprises and medical cannabis businesses, came after BrewDog faced persistent challenges in achieving profitability over recent years. Administrators were appointed to oversee the sale process, highlighting the severity of the financial difficulties.
BrewDog has encountered substantial financial hurdles, including a £37 million loss recorded in the previous year. Earlier this year, the company ceased operations for its gin and vodka brands in Aberdeenshire, and last year, it closed several pubs and implemented job cuts in an effort to curb mounting losses.
Impact on Employees
While 484 staff members will lose their jobs due to the latest closures, 733 employees will see their positions preserved as they transition to become workers for Tilray Brands UK. This partial retention offers a glimmer of stability amid the broader upheaval.
List of BrewDog Bars Closing Immediately
Here is the full list of BrewDog bars set to close "with immediate effect":
England and Wales
- Basingstoke, Hampshire
- Bath, Somerset
- Bournemouth, Dorset
- Bristol – Baldwin Street
- Bristol – Harbourside
- Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
- Cardiff, Wales
- Carlisle, Cumbria
- Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
- Exeter, Devon
- London – Soho
- London – Camden Road
- London – Chancery Lane
- London – Clerkenwell
- London – Ealing
- London – Hammersmith
- London – Seething Lane
- London – Tower Bridge
- London – Wandsworth
- Liverpool, Merseyside
- Manchester – DogHouse Manchester
- Manchester – Manchester Outpost
- Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
- Newcastle, Tyne and Wear
- Norwich, Norfolk
- Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
- Plymouth, Devon
- Reading, Berkshire
- Southampton, Hampshire
Scotland
- Aberdeen – Castlegate
- Aberdeen – Union Square
- Edinburgh – Cowgate
- Glasgow – Merchant City
- Glasgow – Argyle Street
- Inverurie
- Perth
- St Andrews
- Stirling
List of BrewDog Bars Acquired by Tilray
Here are the BrewDog bars that have been acquired by Tilray as part of the rescue deal:
- Birmingham, West Midlands
- London – Canary Wharf
- London – Paddington
- London – Seven Dials
- London – Tower Hill
- London – Waterloo
- Manchester – Peter Street
- Ellon – DogTap (Scotland)
- Edinburgh – DogHouse Edinburgh (Scotland)
- Edinburgh – Edinburgh Lothian Road (Scotland)
- Dublin (Ireland)
The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for BrewDog, as it seeks to navigate ongoing financial pressures under new ownership, with Tilray aiming to leverage its expertise in the craft brewing sector to revitalise the brand.
