free tracking BrewDog to shut SIX more bars in wave of rapid closures – Koko Cafe

BrewDog to shut SIX more bars in wave of rapid closures


BEER giant BrewDog announced it’s starting the new year by axing six bars.

The closures come after the Scots firm’s latest accounts revealed it lost a record £63 million.

BrewDog HQ entrance.
Getty

Brewdog is the UK’s largest beer brand and has sites across the world[/caption]

BrewDog Nice storefront with outdoor seating.
Brewdog

The Brewdog bar in Nice, France, is closing for good[/caption]

Now the shutters are coming down at three venues in Europe, one in China and another two in England.

It’s the third year in a row Brewdog, based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, has closed boozers

CEO James Arrow broke the grim news to staff and shareholders.

He said: “As you will be very aware, the hospitality sector has faced unprecedented challenges over the last few years – both in the UK and around the world.

“And whilst our bar estate has been very resilient, we’ve not been immune, and some locations have felt the impact more acutely than others.

“Unfortunately, we recently made the tough decision to close four of our international bars.

“Our focus has been on liaising with affected teams and finding them alternative locations where possible.”

Brewdog’s bars in Paris and Nice are closing along with its site in Frankfurt, Germany.

While the chain’s flagship first bar to open in China, based in Shanghai, is also shutting down for good.

The two English pubs in Bradford and Huddersfield were run as a franchise by Tokyo Industries until they decided to throw in the towel.


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But James revealed they will continue to work with the craft beer firm as a partner.

The news comes as former Brewdog CEO James Watt was blasted for claiming that people don’t need a “work-life” balance”.

In October the company shared its latest accounts which showed a loss of £63 million, after a £22million shortfall the previous year.

The last time it made a profit was in 2019 but boss James vowed to take it out of the red. 

Man at BrewDog pub opening.
INSTAGRAM

Controversial former Brewdog boss James Watt[/caption]

And he claimed things are still looking good, even after the latest closures.

James said: “Despite this, our bar business remains strong, with a great customer proposition and strong plans are in place to support growth. 

“New franchise openings from 2024 are all operating really well too, including Bangkok, Perth and Rotterdam. 

“As well as at transport hubs including Edinburgh Waverley and Belfast Grand Central.

“I am confident in 2025 our bar business will continue to go from strength to strength, as we continue spreading our passion for quality beer around the globe.”

One fan of the Brewdog pub in Paris said: “Such a shame.”

Another added: “Such sad news for the staff. Good luck everyone.”

One shareholder, known as an equity punk, said: “It’s the staff who suffer from all of this. I think many of us are concerned that bars are closing rapidly.”

In 2022 the axe fell on six Brewdog sites. Soaring energy prices were blamed.

While the following year another three venues in England and one Pittsburgh in the US shuttered for good.

Brewdog is the UK’s largest craft beer brand and employs more than 2,600 people across the globe.

Last year it came under fire after it dropped the real living wage for workers.

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