BrewDog’s Hawkes taproom shuts for good
A BrewDog spokesperson said the cidery on the infamous beer mile had been facing battling rampant inflation, soaring utilities costs and relentless cost-of-living pressures.
They added: “Unfortunately, the slowdown in trade on the Bermondsey beer mile, combined with exorbitant rent increases, has meant we have had to permanently close the much-loved Hawkes tap room.
“This also meant we ceased production on the site, but little else has changed for Hawkes Cider; it remains steadfastly part of the BrewDog family, and will continue to be available in BrewDog bars, across the On-Trade and online, and we are working with a partner for production who we’ve built a strong relationship with over the past few years.”
Future plans
The spokesperson added that BrewDog hoped to relaunch a cider-focused venue at another location in the city in the future, but in the meantime, you can find it in all the usual places.
The Scottish-based operator snapped up the ‘urban cider’ brand Hawkes in 2018.
The brewery made an undisclosed investment in the Bermondsey-based producer, co-founder James Watt revealed on stage at BrewDog’s annual AGM in Aberdeen.
The exact amount invested in Hawkes, and the amount of the business owned by BrewDog, was not disclosed.
A post published on the Scottish brewery’s website outlined its rationale for investing in the cider producer.
Original partnership
“A few months ago, we met with Simon Wright, the founder of Hawkes cider in London,” the post said. “Here, we found a kindred spirit. Hawkes’ approach to cider parallels our heritage with beer, and we see huge potential in the difference the business can make to a mass-market monopolised segment of the drinks scene.
“Cider has a massive opportunity to be so much more than a sweet, fizzy pint of something soulless, or a sickly pink, drink with more calories than a cola. Cider can be as much of a craft beverage as beer, and has as bright a future as brewing.”
“So today, we can announce that we’ve invested in Hawkes, and will be supporting their imminent growth both at home in the UK and internationally. Their range of ciders will remain (and expand), and the people will stay put.
“Simon’s still at the helm with our senior team drafted in to support his ambitions, and we’re insanely excited to see where we can take cider together.”
