Tue 22nd Jul 2025 - BrewDog closes ten UK bars, evolving bar strategy to focus on two core pillars BrewDog closes ten UK bars, evolving bar strategy to focus on two core pillars: Scottish brewer and retailer BrewDog has closed ten of its bars in the UK after a strategic review, as it looks to position its bar portfolio under – “destination hubs” and “community bars” for “long-term, profitable growth”. The bars that have closed are in Aberdeen (Gallowgate), Brighton, Camden, Dundee, Leeds North Street, Oxford, Sheffield, Shepherd’s Bush, Shoreditch and York, leaving the group with circa 50 UK bars. The Aberdeen site was BrewDog’s first bar, and Camden, the first bar it opened in London. The company said despite best efforts, and the hard work of the teams in each of these bars, it has simply not been possible to find a formula to make these bars viable due to their size, location and other limiting factors – as well as the continued challenges facing the wider UK hospitality industry, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures. BrewDog said it expects to redeploy many affected team members across its remaining bar network. A spokesperson for BrewDog said: “We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close ten bars – that 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.” In a letter to staff, BrewDog chief executive James Taylor said: “This is part of the wider refresh we have set out, and it aligns with our renewed focus on innovation, quality, and a new brand identity. It positions our bar portfolio for long-term, profitable growth, but also takes into account the continued challenges facing the UK hospitality industry, including rising costs, increased regulation, and economic pressures. Unfortunately, this will result in some bar closures. This restructure of our bar business reflects our long-term strategy. As we become an experience-led brand we are evolving our bar strategy to focus on two core pillars: Destination Hubs – large-format, high impact immersive venues like Waterloo, Las Vegas, Tower Hill, Berlin, Brisbane and Dublin that are brand flagships. Community Bars – smaller, local spaces that create deep connections with local communities. 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. 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. This decision is about focus. It’s about putting our energy, resources, and investment into bars that are working – and giving our teams the strongest possible foundation for the future. Despite these changes, we remain firmly committed to our bars. Yes, the current market is extremely difficult especially in the UK and we are not immune from the same challenges facing so many other operators. We are passionate about our bars and optimistic about the future. We still see significant long-term opportunity.” Latest available accounts show BrewDog’s bar division saw revenue increase to £69,442,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023 from £63,058,000. Pre-tax losses were down from £10,918,000 to £6,679,000. Average monthly employee numbers rose from 1,122 in 2022 to 1,150. Last month, BrewDog rowed back on plans to become a public company as Taylor plots a return to growth underpinned by “sensible financial discipline”. A flotation has long been mooted for the business with suggestions of a valuation of about £2bn. Taylor, who stepped up from chief financial officer in March this year, said an initial public offering was “not on the agenda at the moment” as the company moved back into profit under its preferred metric for the first time since 2021. BrewDog features in the Propel Turnover & Profits Blue Book, which is available exclusively to Premium subscribers and features 1,138 companies. BrewDog’s turnover of £280m for the year ending 31 December 2024 is the 52nd highest in the database. A Premium Club subscription costs an annual sum of £495 plus VAT for operators and £595 plus VAT for suppliers. Companies can now have an unlimited number of people receive access to Premium Club for a year for £995 plus VAT – whether they are an operator or supplier. Email kai.kirkman@propelinfo.com today to sign up.