The business, which opened in 2016 and is run by Jimmy Hatherley, operated a taproom in Southampton that served 11 draught lines of its own brewed craft beers along with fridges of its own brews, guest beers, local wines, cider, small-batch mixed spirits, low and no alcohol options, soft drinks and snacks.
Its canned beers were also available in the on and off-trade, and the business boasted brewing collaborations with companies including Alvarado St, ASpace Arts, Boxcar, Cloudwater, Deya, Duration, Elusive, Frontaal, Left Handed Giant, Lost & Grounded, Peoples Pride, Queer Brewing, River Coffee Roasters, Track and Verdant.
Daily battle
Unity Brewing Co said on Twitter: “This is the post I hoped I would never have to make. As of today, we will close our shutters for the final time and enter liquidation.
“Since the first lockdown almost three years ago, trading has been a daily battle and despite weathering many storms, the last few months of rising costs, debt and difficult sales have made it impossible for us to continue.
“I can't thank everyone enough for all the support we’ve had in the six and a half years of Unity beer.
“Connecting people, putting smiles on faces and promoting togetherness through delicious beer has always been at the very centre of what we have done and we wouldn’t have been able to do any of it without you so… here’s to you and here’s to togetherness.”
Incredibly beautiful
The business added the Unity Bottleshop & Tasting Room at 45 Bedford Place in Southampton will continue to trade, albeit very soon under a new brand.
A message of appreciation from Duration Brewing read: “Big love Jimmy, you put something incredibly beautiful into the world and we feel so inspired by Unity and so proud of all you have achieved. Hope you do too. No one is on safe ground right now. The last three years have been a mess. Hoping the next bit runs as smooth as poss, love [from] us.”
Old Dairy Brewery wrote: “We feel your pain guys. Good luck for the future.” While Leviathan Brewing Co said: “Absolute s**t news of the highest order. Big love to you guys. Hope you will be back at some point.”