The rate of brewery closures across the UK has slowed, but the North East remains one of the worst-affected areas, according to new figures from the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA).
Slowing closures, ongoing struggles
SIBA's UK Brewery Tracker, comparing the first half of 2026 with 2025, shows a net slowdown in closures, though the industry's struggles are 'not over yet'. From January to June 2026, there were 16 fewer breweries UK-wide, compared with a total loss of 137 in 2025.
While some regions, such as the north-west and Wales, saw increases with three new breweries each, the North East lost eight breweries, leaving 218 in the area that spans from Northumberland to the Borders and down to south Yorkshire.
Regional variations
Four of nine UK regions showed overall growth, with three new breweries in the south-east and one in the south-west. Scotland fared worst with nine closures, followed by the North East. The Midlands and Northern Ireland each saw four closures, and the east of England one.
Notable closures in the North East include Newcastle's Northern Alchemy in Byker, which shut in May after 11 years due to rising costs, and The Dog & Rabbit in Whitley Bay, a former CAMRA pub of the year.
Industry calls for support
SIBA chief executive Andy Slee said: "The figures released today are a sign that brewery closure numbers may be beginning to stabilise following a number of particularly tough years." He added: "But for most breweries the struggles are not behind them."
Slee highlighted strong demand for independent beer but noted profitability concerns due to lack of pub access, high taxation, and production costs. SIBA has called for increased 'draught relief' and a government market access review to help small brewers get their beers into pubs.
"Consumer demand for indie beer remains really strong but getting beers on the bar is tougher than ever with brewers on average not able to access 62% of the pubs in their local market," Slee said. "It is encouraging to see four areas of UK growing their number of breweries in the first half of 2026. Let’s hope this is the sign of things to come."
