Manchester Brewing Company ceases trading
Debts incurred during lockdown, the effect of the cost-of-living crisis on trade plus spiralling costs meant the business could no longer function.
On Twitter, a spokesperson said: “As I load the sign into the back of the van to take top the tip, I guess this presents the most opportune moment to confirm Manchester Brewing Company has ceased to be.
“I’ll be around for a bit tying up loose ends, but for now, let me say a hue thank you to all those who have supported us, championed us and on occasion aided and abetted us!”
They added: “Keep supporting the little guys.”
Final straw
The brewery was met with an outpour of support from other breweries. Duration Brewing in Norfolk, East Anglia wished the business a “fond farewell” and hoped it could look back with pride over its achievements.
Blackjack Brewing Company in Manchester said: “Sorry to hear this, let us know if we can help at all?”
The Manchester-based business prided itself on making “modern, fresh, exciting beers”. It had been brewing beer in an arch in Ardwick since 2016.
The brewery joins the ranks of businesses forced to shut their doors for good due to not being able to cope financially.
Another Manchester-based Beatnikz Republic Brewery ceased trading last year, with rising prices being the nail in the coffin after two years of Covid-related difficulties.
Devastating blow
While the brewery’s chief executive and founder Paul Greetham was “very sad” to close the venue, he said there was “no chance” he would have opened with hindsight of the tsunami of issues faced by the sector over the years.
Despite this, the lockdowns, Covid restrictions and constant closing and opening at quite short notice ground the company down, according to its owner. The brewery found itself either massively overstocked or understaffed.
2022 came with a new host of problems. A few large orders fell through for the company, and the Omicron Covid variant messed up Christmas trade. On top of this came rising transport costs and staff shortages, which Greetham admitted were the “last straw”.
Calsberg Marston’s Brewing Company also closed Cumbrian operation Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth last year.
The Campaign for Real Area dubbed this a “devastating blow for the area’s brewing heritage.”
