North co-founders to step away from brewing arm
A post on social media revealed Gyngell & Townsley were set to step away from their roles at North Brewing Co to pursue other opportunities however, the duo will also continue to head up the nine North Bar venues.
Townsley said: “Establishing the brand and values that brought success to North Brewing alongside working with amazing people is an achievement we’re incredibly proud of.
“We wish the new ownership the very best in the future."
Next chapter
He added: “We opened North Bar in 1997 and currently have nine bars over Leeds, Manchester, Harrogate and Otley.
“Hospitality and people have always been at the heart of everything we’ve done. We pride ourselves in creating warm, friendly spaces that deliver exceptional service and offer a range of incredible drinks.
“Watch this space for the next chapter in North Bar.”
In addition, Townsley told The Morning Advertiser: "We're energised by the opportunity to give North Bar our attention and excited about driving that business with total focus.
"We absolutely love hospitality and we now have the capacity to look at all areas of the business, we're buzzing at the opportunity we have ahead to raise North Bar & co to a new level.
"We worked hard with a brilliant team to lead North Brewing through an incredible journey, meeting so many amazing people worldwide. We bloody loved it and feel very grateful for those years and our place in the brewing community."
In January this year, North Brewing Co filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators in a bid to seek “additional investment” into the business.
At the time, Townsley told The Morning Advertiser the burden of debt repayments were like “cement shoes”.
Massive impact
He said: “Covid, Brexit, the impact of material costs going up massively….and the cost-of-living crisis.
“Interest rates have been a massive impact on us. The frustrating thing is all of that combined and the borrowing that has hung over us since Covid has just made the cost of repayments too much to manage.”
Just weeks later, it was announced Kirkstall Brewery rescued the firm from administration.
Townsley and Gyngell started North Bar in 1997 with the opening of the original North Bar in Leeds city centre before North Brewing Co began in 2015, at a site in Taverner’s Walk also in the city.
