BrewDog has announced that it is closing 10 of its bars across the UK, saying that it has ‘simply not been possible’ to make those bars commercially viable.
Among the 10 bars being closed by the north-east founded company is its first ever premises at Aberdeen Gallowgate, alongside its venues in Dundee, Brighton, Camden, Leeds North Street, Oxford, Sheffield, Shepherds Bush, Shoreditch and York.
In both its public announcement, and internal messaging to its staff, BrewDog has insisted that the closures are about putting ‘energy, resources, and investment into bars that are working’, and that it remains ‘optimistic about the future’.
A BrewDog spokesperson said: “We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close 10 bars – which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint.
“Despite our best efforts, and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable.
“This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division’s focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures.
The spokesperson continued: “We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. For those leaving the business, we’re providing as much support as possible during this transition.
“We remain passionate and firmly committed to our bars, and optimistic about the future, as we still see significant long-term opportunity.”
Internally, the company has set out a wider refresh, based on a ‘renewed focus on innovation, quality, and a new brand identity’.
It explained: “As we become an experience-led brand we are evolving our bar strategy to focus on two core pillars:
“Destination Hubs – large-format, high impact immersive venues like Waterloo, Las Vegas, Tower Hill, Berlin, Brisbane and Dublin that are brand flagships;
“Community Bars – smaller, local spaces that create deep connections with local communities.”
However, it conceded that some of the venues being closed had been integral to its history, including that first ever bar in Aberdeen, and the Camden outpost which was the first bar it opened in London.
It had, said the company, simply not been possible to find a formula to make these bars viable due to their size, location and other limiting factors.
“Keeping them open would put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow.
“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly. But as we evolve BrewDog into a more focused and sustainable business, we’ve had to be honest about where we are – and where we’re heading.
“To everyone who worked in these bars, and every customer who supported them – thank you. These bars helped make BrewDog what it is today, and we’re grateful for your support over the years.
“Despite these changes, we remain firmly committed to our bars.”
