Latest news with #UniteHospitality


The Sun
3 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
British beer giant is shutting NINE pubs today including its flagship bar with 100 jobs at risk – is one going near you?
IT'S a sad day for BrewDog fans as NINE of its iconic pubs are closing today. On Friday, the former punk poster child for craft beer even axed their most popular London watering hole in Camden. Union officials have blasted bosses at the pub chain on social media following claims that staff were given just three days' notice. The full list of BrewDog pubs closing today are: Aberdeen flagship (Gallowgate) Brighton Dundee Leeds North Street Oxford Sheffield Shepherds Bush Shoreditch York The brand's huge Camden branch closed on Friday, despite it being one of the company's most popular pubs. Details on the number of potential jobs that could be lost as a result of the closures are unknown at this stage. However, bosses at BrewDog have said they are undergoing an appropriate consultation process with all affected staff which will last a minimum of two weeks. They added that there will be one-to-one meetings with every member of staff who is at risk of redundancy. But they confirmed that "every effort will be made to made to redeploy as many members of staff as possible." Unite Hospitality shared the news with a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. It read: "Brew Dog have announced that they are closing 10 flagship bars from Aberdeen to Camden, as soon as THIS FRIDAY! "In what universe is THREE DAYS a morally (or legally) acceptable notice period for a proper redundancy consultation for the workers impacted?!" BrewDog's James Watt & fiancee Georgia Toffolo spark backlash with 'cringeworthy' video about their relationship A statement from CEO James Taylor was posted on the shareholders' forum announcing that closures come as part of a "strategic review". He explained that the firm has "faced continued challenges" in the UK, including "rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures", which have resulted in the closures. He said: "Despite our best efforts, it has simply not been possible to find a formula to make these bars viable due to their size, location and other limiting factors." Taylor added: "Keeping them open would put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow. "This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus. "This is not a decision we've taken lightly. But as we evolve BrewDog into a more focused and sustainable business, we've had to be honest about where we are - and where we're heading". In an internal note shared amongst staff, Taylor said: "To everyone who worked in these bars, and every customer who supported them - thank you. "These bars helped make BrewDog what it is today, and we're grateful for your support over the years." 4 A spokesperson for BrewDog told The Scottish Sun: 'We can confirm that following a review of our bars business, we have made the difficult decision to close ten bars. "This reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint. "Despite our best efforts, and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable. 'We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. " For those leaving the business, we're providing as much support as possible during this transition. "We remain passionate and firmly committed to our bars, and optimistic about the future, as we still see significant long-term opportunity'. The Sun has also contacted BrewDog representatives for comment. BrewDog was founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie. It bulldozed its way into the beer scene, flipping two fingers to the lager giants and slapping 'anti-establishment' on every can. In 2024, Watt stepped down from his CEO role after 17 years in the hot seat. He passed the baton to chief operating officer James Arrow as the "business pushed forward into its next phase of growth". But in March this year, Arrow stepped down from the hefty role due, citing "personal reasons". 4 4


Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Full list of Brewdog locations closing in days as bars no longer 'commercially viable'
Two Scottish outlets are listed after the firm confirmed a new strategy focusing on its bar footprint. Brewdog has confirmed that it will be closing two of its bars across Scotland soon. It comes amidst a wave of 10 closures across the UK in total. The Scottish-founded pub and brewery chain revealed in a statement that its Aberdeen flagship branch based on Gallowgate, alongside its Dundee branch, have been affected by the move. A spokesperson for the beer firm, which was founded in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, said that it was a "difficult decision" and that it comes amidst a new strategy of its bar footprint, with the affected locations said to be "not commercially viable." It comes after we recently reported that the news of the closures was blasted by Unite Hospitality on X, with the union firm saying: "Brew Dog have announced that they are closing 10 flagship bars from Aberdeen to Camden, as soon as THIS FRIDAY! "In what universe is THREE DAYS a morally (or legally) acceptable notice period for a proper redundancy consultation for the workers impacted?!" The firm has said it is going "through a meaningful and appropriate consultation process" with affected staff members, with talks said to last a "minimum of 14 days" as it looks to redeploy them elsewhere. The full Brewdog spokesperson quote read: "We can confirm that following a review of our bars' business we have made the difficult decision to close 10 bars – which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint. Despite our best efforts, and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable. "This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures." "We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. For those leaving the business, we're providing as much support as possible during this transition. We remain passionate and firmly committed to our bars, and optimistic about the future, as we still see significant long-term opportunity'. It comes after the beer chain's CEO James Taylor circulated a full note to all of its staff members confirming that it would be updating its business with "a more focused strategy" and "rationalisation" of its bar footprint. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The restructure of its business is said to offer "renewed focus on innovation, quality, and a new brand identity" that will help it provide long-term, profitable growth. According to Taylor, keeping open the affected locations would "put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow." The firm has said that its updated business plans takes into account continued challenges facing the UK hospitality industry, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressure. As a response, it has made the move to shut down two Scots-based locations, including its first ever Aberdeen bar, alongside eight other UK Branches as "there is no realistic prospect of making these venues commercially viable." Brewdog is a Scottish -based brewery, distillery and pub chain that was founded in 2007 by James Watt and Martin Dickie. Now available in 57 countries, it is said to be the "seventh-largest beer brand in Britain." Full list of Brewdog branches closing down Aberdeen flagship (Gallowgate) Dundee Camden Brighton Leeds North Street Oxford Sheffield Shepherd's Bush Shoreditch York


Scotsman
7 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Beloved UK bar chain to close 10 locations
Fans and staff are reeling as the firm shutters key venues with minimal warning 🍺 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... BrewDog is closing 10 of its UK bars, including iconic locations in Aberdeen and Camden Staff have reportedly received only three days' notice before facing redundancy The closures follow a strategic review amid rising costs and tough hospitality conditions BrewDog aims to focus on a more sustainable bar business, despite backlash from unions Exact job losses remain unclear, but the company promises support and possible redeployment A popular UK brewery and pub chain is set to shut down 10 of its bars across the country, including some of its most beloved and historic venues. BrewDog will reportedly begin shuttering the bars earmarked for closure from Friday (July 25), with employees reportedly given just three days' notice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Founded in 2007 in Aberdeenshire, BrewDog grew rapidly with its bold craft beers and rebellious marketing style. Among the closures are flagship locations such as Aberdeen (the chain's very first bar) and Camden (its first location to open in London), spots that have become staples in their local communities and hotspots for craft beer fans. The news hit hard on social media after the Unite Hospitality union officials blasted BrewDog for what they call an 'unacceptably short' redundancy consultation period — just 72 hours before staff face job losses. (Photo:) | Getty Images Unite condemned the notice period as both morally and legally questionable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BrewDog says the closures are the result of a 'strategic review' triggered by ongoing economic pressures such as rising costs and stricter regulations in the UK hospitality sector. CEO James Taylor explained that some bars have struggled with 'size, location and other limiting factors,' making them financially unviable. 'Keeping these bars open would put pressure on the wider business,' Taylor said, adding that the company aims to 'refocus' and create a more sustainable bar division. He thanked both staff and customers for their loyalty, acknowledging the important role these bars have played in BrewDog's story. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While BrewDog promises one-on-one consultations with affected employees and hopes to redeploy many within its network, the exact number of job losses remains unclear. The company said it's 'working hard' to support staff through the transition. Which BrewDog bars are closing? The full list of BrewDog bar closures: Aberdeen Flagship (Gallowgate) Brighton Camden Dundee Leeds North Street Oxford Sheffield Shepherds Bush Shoreditch York


Scotsman
7 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Beloved UK bar chain to close 10 locations
Fans and staff are reeling as the firm shutters key venues with minimal warning 🍺 Sign up to the weekly Cost Of Living newsletter. Saving tips, deals and money hacks. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... BrewDog is closing 10 of its UK bars, including iconic locations in Aberdeen and Camden Staff have reportedly received only three days' notice before facing redundancy The closures follow a strategic review amid rising costs and tough hospitality conditions BrewDog aims to focus on a more sustainable bar business, despite backlash from unions Exact job losses remain unclear, but the company promises support and possible redeployment A popular UK brewery and pub chain is set to shut down 10 of its bars across the country, including some of its most beloved and historic venues. BrewDog will reportedly begin shuttering the bars earmarked for closure from Friday (July 25), with employees reportedly given just three days' notice. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Founded in 2007 in Aberdeenshire, BrewDog grew rapidly with its bold craft beers and rebellious marketing style. Among the closures are flagship locations such as Aberdeen (the chain's very first bar) and Camden (its first location to open in London), spots that have become staples in their local communities and hotspots for craft beer fans. The news hit hard on social media after the Unite Hospitality union officials blasted BrewDog for what they call an 'unacceptably short' redundancy consultation period — just 72 hours before staff face job losses. (Photo:) | Getty Images Unite condemned the notice period as both morally and legally questionable. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad BrewDog says the closures are the result of a 'strategic review' triggered by ongoing economic pressures such as rising costs and stricter regulations in the UK hospitality sector. CEO James Taylor explained that some bars have struggled with 'size, location and other limiting factors,' making them financially unviable. 'Keeping these bars open would put pressure on the wider business,' Taylor said, adding that the company aims to 'refocus' and create a more sustainable bar division. He thanked both staff and customers for their loyalty, acknowledging the important role these bars have played in BrewDog's story. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While BrewDog promises one-on-one consultations with affected employees and hopes to redeploy many within its network, the exact number of job losses remains unclear. The company said it's 'working hard' to support staff through the transition. Which BrewDog bars are closing? The full list of BrewDog bar closures: Aberdeen Flagship (Gallowgate) Brighton Camden Dundee Leeds North Street Oxford Sheffield Shepherds Bush Shoreditch York Are you struggling to make ends meet as costs continue to rise? You can now send your stories to us online via YourWorld at It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.


Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Popular bar chain is closing 10 venues with first one shutting this Friday
The brewery and craft beer company has revealed its Camden branch will close on Friday, with the others set to pull down the shutters from this Saturday onwards BrewDog has confirmed plans to shut ten bars - with one venue closing as soon as this Friday. The Scottish brewery and craft beer company has revealed its Camden branch will close on Friday, while the others - including its flagship Aberdeen venue - will pull down the shutters from this Saturday onwards. BrewDog says it has launched a consultation process with all affected staff, which will last a minimum of 14 days. A spokesperson added that the firm expects to redeploy many of the workers affected by the closures to other bars. CEO James Taylor sent a message to all staff, explaining that the venues were no longer making money. He said: "Following much consideration, we have sadly concluded that there is no realistic prospect of making these venues commercially viable. "Keeping them open would put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow. This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus. "This is not a decision we've taken lightly. But as we evolve BrewDog into a more focused and sustainable business, we've had to be honest about where we are - and where we're heading." A spokesperson for BrewDog said: 'We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close 10 bars – which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint. Despite our best efforts, and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable. 'This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus for long-term and profitable growth – accounting for ongoing industry challenges, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures. 'We are working hard to minimise the impact on our people, and we expect to redeploy many affected team members across the BrewDog network. For those leaving the business, we're providing as much support as possible during this transition. We remain passionate and firmly committed to our bars, and optimistic about the future, as we still see significant long-term opportunity.' But the closures were slammed by Unite Hospitality, who posted to X: 'Brewdog have announced that they are closing 10 flagship bars from Aberdeen to Camden, as soon as THIS FRIDAY! 'In what universe is 3 DAYS a morally (or legally) acceptable notice period for a proper redundancy consultation for the workers impacted?!' Full list of BrewDog bars that are closing Aberdeen Flagship (Gallowgate) Brighton Camden Dundee Leeds North Street Oxford Sheffield Shepherds Bush Shoreditch York